Leak Shows NSA Penetrated Mideast Banking Networks Min 26º 150 Fils Financial Institutions in Kuwait Targeted for Espionage Max 37º

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SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2017 RAJAB 18, 1438 AH No: 17199 Leak shows NSA penetrated Mideast banking networks Min 26º 150 Fils Financial institutions in Kuwait targeted for espionage Max 37º

PARIS: A new set of documents purportedly lift- Kuwait, Bahrain and the Palestinian territories ed from the US National Security Agency sug- had been targeted for espionage. Philippines deports gests that American spies have burrowed deep Calls and messages left with EastNets’ into the Middle East’s financial network, appar- offices in Dubai, London and New York were ently compromising the Dubai office of the anti- either not picked up or not immediately Kuwaiti IS suspect money laundering and financial services firm returned. The authenticity of yesterday’s docu- EastNets. TheShadowBrokers, which startled the ment dump could not immediately be deter- MANILA: A Kuwaiti man suspected to be a Rahaf Zina, also named as a member of the security experts last year by releasing some of mined but the group’s previous releases have member of the Islamic State group was yes- group. Zina and Dhafiri married after her the NSA’s hacking tools, has resumed pouring been corroborated by material leaked by for- terday deported by the Philippines to face high-ranking IS commander husband was secrets into the public domain, this time by mer US intelligence contractor Edward charges at home, a justice department offi- killed in Syria, said Justice Secretary Vitaliano publishing purported details of the NSA’s opera- Snowden and software patches issued by cial said. Hussein Al-Dhafiri, one of the two Aguirre. He earlier said the pair had entered tions against banks across the Arab world. major US technology firms. The NSA did not suspected IS members arrested in the the country as part of plans for “a bombing In a first for TheShadowBrokers, the data immediately return emails seeking comment. Philippines last month, was flown out of the operation” in the Philippines or Kuwait. includes PowerPoint slides and purported tar- Because EastNets provides a host of Arab country to Kuwait, undersecretary Erickson Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has get lists, suggesting that the group has access to banks connectivity to the banking system’s Balmes said. warned that IS members might make their a broader range of data than previously known. electronic backbone, known as SWIFT, compro- A statement from the Kuwaiti embassy way into the country by infiltrating its Muslim “This is by far the most brutal dump,” said mising the company would give the NSA the said Dhafiri was due to be tried in his home communities, concentrated in the south of Comae Technologies founder Matt Suiche, who ability to silently track financial transactions country. “Evidence obtained by Kuwait’s the largely Catholic country. The Philippines has closely followed the group’s disclosures and across the Middle East, Suiche said in a phone state security agencies also showed that he is has been battling with Muslim extremist initially helped confirm its connection to the call. He said other documents in the release planning to carry out terroristic attacks in the groups for years in the remote southern NSA last year. In a blog post, he said it appeared suggested an even wider effort to monitor the State of Kuwait,” the statement said. Dhafiri region, some of whom have since pledged that thousands of employee accounts and world’s transactions. “I’ll bet it’s not the only machines from the EastNets’ offices had been SWIFT service bureau that’s been compro- was arrested along with a Syrian woman allegiance to IS. — AFP compromised and that financial institutions in mised,” he said. — AP

LOCAL SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2017 Crown Prince returns home KUWAIT: Representative of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah returned home Thursday after partaking in the 2017 King Abdulaziz camel festival. His Highness was received at Kuwait International Airport by Speaker of the National Assembly Marzouq Al-Ghanem, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Minister of the Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Deputy Minister of the Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Ali Jarrah Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah, Deputy Premier and Finance Minister Anas Al-Saleh, Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs and Acting Minister of Information Sheikh Mohammad Al-Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Advisor at the Crown Prince Diwan Nasser Al-Roudhan, and Saudi Ambassador to the State of Kuwait Dr Abdulaziz Al-Fayez. His Highness the Crown Prince was accompanied by Sheikh Faisal Al-Saud Al-Sabah, Sheikh Jaber Duaij Al-Ibrahim Al-Sabah, Sheikh Ali Nasser Al-Ali-Sabah, Sheikh Dr Mohammad Sabah Al- Salem Al-Sabah, Governor of Ahmadi area Sheikh Fawaz Al- Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, as well as Advisors at the Crown Prince Diwan Dr Humoud Mohammad Al-Otaibi and Sheikh KUWAIT: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah returns home Thursday Mubarak Al-Faisal Al-Saud Al-Sabah. —KUNA evening. —KUNA Iraq grateful for Kuwaiti-funded school in Irbil Iraqi market provides incentives to Kuwaiti investors: Minister IRBIL: Iraq is grateful for the opening of KUWAIT: Kuwaiti investors are wel- a new school in Irbil as part of the comed to seek business within Iraq Kuwait Red Crescent Society’s (KRCS) and they will have a slight advantage “Kuwait is by your side” campaign, Iraqi over other business personnel, an Iraqi Minister of Education Dr Muhammad official said yesterday. Kuwaiti compa- Iqbal Al-Saidali said yesterday. The min- nies and corporations have a strong ister lauded KRCS for its ongoing presence in the regional and interna- efforts to aid Iraqis on all possible lev- tional markets, said Iraqi Minister of els, saying that this was reflective of Planning and Commerce Suleiman Al- Kuwait’s generous gestures towards Jumaili. Iraq is interested in boosting the people of Irbil. economic and commercial ties with Meanwhile, Governor of Irbil Nawzad Kuwait, said the Iraqi official who Hadi also took the chance to thank affirmed that such cooperation would Kuwait for funding the construction of benefit both fellow Arab countries. Iraqi Minister of the school for the displaced, saying that He commended his meetings with the school, given the name Kathma, will Planning and Kuwaiti top officials, saying that the Commerce stand as a structure displaying Kuwaitis’ gatherings reflected the strong ties sincere wishes for the development of linking the two countries. Speaking on Suleiman Al-Jumaili Iraq within the educational domain. IRBIL: Students celebrate during the opening ceremony of a Kuwaiti- the situation in Iraq, the minister said Meanwhile, Kuwait General Console in that the greatest challenge facing development in Iraq was the Irbil, Dr Omar Al-Kanderi said that the funded school in Irbil, Iraq. —KUNA security threat posed by the so-called Islamic State (IS) and other Kathma School was the third institute terror groups. Once the Iraqi government and allies successfully funded by the KRCS. More of facilities of diplomat, affirming that the society’s ership and people’s efforts to ease the cleanse Iraq from terror groups, the national market will focus on such kind will be opened soon, said the efforts was in line with the Kuwaiti lead- pain of Iraqi displaced. —KUNA building and reinforcing Iraq’s economy. —KUNA

KRCS, IRC sign agreement to rehabilitate wounded Syrians

BEIRUT: A new agreement, worth $188,000, was Sayer said that Kuwait is always keen to provide a support and funding by Kuwait to UNEP ventures will signed between Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) helping hand to people who are in need of aid world- always be appreciated by the international organiza- and the International Red Cross (IRC) to rehabilitate wide. Speaking during a visit to Al-Rihaniyeh Syrian tion, said the official who hoped that both sides Syrian refugees in Lebanon who were wounded dur- refugee camp in Akkar, the Kuwaiti official said that would be able to work together in the near future. A ing the conflict in their country, a Kuwaiti official said the visit, by officials from Al-Sayer group and the number of refugees at the camp said that were grate- yesterday. United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), was to ful for the assistance provided by the Kuwaiti group, KRCS representative in Lebanon Musa’ad Al-Enizi assess efforts to provide electricity and warm water saying that from darkness, the camp was transform said that the agreement was part of the society’s con- using portable and stationary solar panels. Sayer into a place where light illuminated their paths and tinuous efforts to help Syrian refugees in Lebanon. group’s involvement is in line with the Kuwaiti lead- dwellings. The assistance also provided warm water The agreement will also include other nationalities, ership’s policies to provide refugees, especially that helped to bring a smile to the people who suf- said the Kuwaiti official who stressed that Syrian Syrians, with every bit of assistance that they need to fered from the lack basic human needs. refugees will have the priority in receiving rehabilita- overcome a bit of their suffering. A statement by UNEP indicated that after suffer- tion treatments. Sayer and UNEP Regional Director Iyad Abumoghli ing from long injustice and cold weather, the pro- Meanwhile, Head of the IRC delegation in carried out the visit to Al-Rihaniyeh camp, which gram - through the generous financial support of its Lebanon Fabrizio Carboni said that his organization includes around 1,000 people who are living in 400 main partner Kuwaiti Al-Sayer Group - has con- was keen on bolstering efforts with KRCS to help all tents, mostly accommodating children, women, and tributed to efforts to lighting up tents and walkways those who are in need including Syrian refugees in the elderly. in the camp in addition to providing solar-powered the country. The mission for the Syrian refugees will Meanwhile, Abumoghli said that cooperation water heaters. This initiative is the first of its kind in continue with other international partners to ease between Kuwait and UNEP was not new, affirming terms of using clean energy to cater to the basic the pain of those who are suffering, said Carboni. that both sides had worked previously on several needs of refugees in one of the largest camps in In other news, Al-Sayer Group’s CEO Hamed Al- programs in the region. The “annual and generous” Akkar. —KUNA LOCAL SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2017

KFAS, KNCC hold joint workshop

KUWAIT: As part of its efforts to develop research and creativity with the private sector, Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Science (KFAS) recently held a joint specialized workshop with Kuwait National Cinema Company (KNCC) after contracting an international expert in customer service development. The workshop focused on training participants with the aim of improving the services provided to cinema viewers in all theaters owned by the company, said KFAS Director Dr Adnan Shehabuddin. Meanwhile, KNCC Commercial Sector Director Salwa Al- Khouri said cooperation with KFAS comes as part of the company’s development plans, adding that it provides a special training program in creativity designed to encourage effective creativity and enhance local manpower’s potentials to develop the private sector.

Najma Award winner announced KUWAIT: The Commercial Bank of Kuwait Credit General Manager Sahar Abdul Aziz (CBK) recently announced Wessam Al-Rumaih received and congratulated Qobaisi as the winner of its Najma Award the winner. A Najma account can be of KD 100,000. The 2017 first quarter opened by depositing KD 500, which draw was held recently at CBK’s head- qualifies the customer for Kuwait’s largest quarters in the presence of a representa- daily award of KD 7,000. Account holders tive from the Ministry of Commerce and receive an entry for every KD 25 deposit- Industry. In this regard, CBK’s Corporate ed in their accounts, Rumaih said.

KUWAIT: Ahmadi Governor Sheikh Fawaz Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah met recently with a team from the Ministry of Education, led by Tariq Shehab, Head of the ministry’s environment-friendly schools’ project. LOCAL SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2017

KUWAIT: Interior Ministry Undersecretary Lieutenant General Mahmoud Al-Dousary received well-wishers who came over to the Interior Ministry’s building to con- gratulate him on his promotion. — Photos by Joseph Shagra and Abdullatif Al-Sharaa Five wounded in shooting spree Stolen car found two years later

KUWAIT: Several people from the same that a couple had engaged in a fight. Stolen car found family suffered gunshot wounds follow- The husband, a pilot, said that his wife Detectives managed to locate a vehi- ing a shooting spree caused by family beat him, but the woman denied his cle two years after it was reported disputes. According to the police report, claims and alleged that he was the one stolen, and arrested three persons a citizen entered his relatives’ house and who physically assaulted her. A case involved in the case. The car was put up started shooting, injuring five persons was filed for investigations. Meanwhile, for sale by its original Kuwaiti owner two including a 12-year-old boy, before peo- police found a man and a woman years ago, so a Syrian man approached ple who were in the diwaniya put the exchanging insults over a dispute in him to buy it. He asked to test drive it, man under control and managed to take Maidan Hawally. Police later let the cou- but when he did, he escaped with it. The the pistol away from him. The man man- ple go after the woman, a citizen, owner reported the case at the time, aged to escape before police arrived at refused to lodge a complaint. and did not know a thing about it until the scene. The men at the scene handed detectives told him it was found in a the pistol over to police, as an investiga- Suspected fraud Salmiya showroom with different tion went on in search for the suspect An investigation was launched to find license plates. The person who put the who faces charges of attempted murder, out how a bank account was opened car up for sale was summoned, and he Customs officers arrest possession of an unlicensed firearm and without its owner’s knowledge. A securi- said that he bought it from a Syrian entering a house without permission. ty source said that a citizen told Khaitan national for KD 10,000 and transferred passengers with drugs police that he was an inmate at the its ownership officially at the traffic Foul play Central Prison, and after he was released, department. Detectives discovered that By Hanan Al-Saadoun A homicide investigation went under- he went to open an account. He was sur- the new license plates are authentic and way in the death of a woman in her thir- prised however when he was told that registered in the traffic department’s KUWAIT: Customs officers at Kuwait International Airport ties whose body was found recently at a there is an account already opened with database. Detectives kept investigating arrested an Arab man with possession of 14 pieces of house under construction in Jaber Al-Ali. his name, and that it has money deposit- to find out how was the Syrian man was hashish which he had hidden in empty cigarette packs. Crime scene investigators found evi- ed in it. He said that the bank employees able to buy the car and register it with The man was taken to the proper authorities to face dence of foul play at the place where the told him that the account was opened in his name despite the fact that it was charges. Meanwhile, Nuwaiseeb land border outlet offi- woman was found by the home owner 2013, and is active. reported stolen. Detectives summoned cers caught a Saudi national with possession of illicit who reported the incident to police. The the person who received KD 10,000 for tablets kept in his car. Customs officers found the drugs body was taken to the forensics depart- Students hurt the car, and he said under questioning after searching the man’s car when they noticed that he ment to first have the victim’s identity Fireworks caused two students to suf- that he met another Syrian national who was nervous upon his arrival. In other news, Jahra munici- determined as detectives did not find fer smoke inhalation in Mubarak Al- offered to sell him the car for KD 2,500 pality branch inspectors carried out a campaign on com- any IDs on her. In a separate case, an Kabeer, a few days after a similar incident without license plates, saying that it was mercial stores recently, during which they 27 citations. Indian man’s body was sent to the foren- happened at Daman bilingual school. In wanted to authorities. The man agreed sics department to determine the cause the latest incident, students used fire- to buy it, then bought a similar car with Graduation of his death, after his friend brought him works that caused thick smoke, causing the same model and color. He then took Kuwait Fire Service Directorate (KFSD) celebrated the in to the police station. A case was filed two girls to suffocate as they were taken the license plates of the second car and graduation of the sixteenth batch of specialized officers, for investigations. to Adan hospital for treatment. The inci- put them on the first one then sold it and sixth batch of officers who graduated with General dent happened during an activity stu- again. The man told officers about the Secondary Certificate. The ceremony was held at the Domestic assault dents call ‘Senior Prank Day’ during person he bought the car from; who was Regency Hotel under the patronage and presence of State Police responded to a call about a which students carry out activities out- arrested and admitted of stealing the Minister for Cabinet Affairs, Acting Information Minister family dispute in Bayan. When they side the school as a way to have good car two years ago. — Translated from the Sheikh Mohammad Al-Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah. arrived to the scene, they found out memories during their graduation year. Arabic press

SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2017 British woman stabbed Afghanistan women embrace ‘Mother of all bombs’ to death in Jerusalem 8 a new empowerment : Divorce 9 targets Islamic State 11

JIDDAH: Children fly kites on the Red Sea beach, in Jiddah, Saudi Arabia. —AFP Saudi woman’s fear: ‘They will kill me’

DUBAI: Activists feared yesterday for the safe- The Canadian witness, who spent several through immigration and it would have been circulating over social media is untrue.” It ty of a young Saudi woman they say was hours with Lasloom at the airport in Manila, up to the airline to decide what happened to described the incident as a family matter and returned to the kingdom against her will, in a reported that two of Lasloom’s uncles arrived, her. A Saudi activist said that Lasloom, who said: “The citizen has now returned with her case highlighting tight restrictions on women. the New York-based watchdog said. It also lived in Kuwait, “was brought back by force to family to the homeland.” Dina Ali Lasloom, 24, intended to flee to quoted an airline security official as saying he Riyadh and is now in custody.” A female med- Human Rights Watch called on Saudi Australia to escape a forced marriage, Human heard Lasloom “screaming and begging for ical student, Alaa, who went to the Riyadh air- Arabia to reveal whether Lasloom is with her Rights Watch cited a Canadian witness as say- help” on Tuesday before security personnel port to support Lasloom, was arrested when family or is being held by the state at a shel- ing. The witness said Lasloom approached her and men who appeared to be Middle Eastern she tried to inquire about her whereabouts, ter. “Lasloom is at serious risk of harm if while in transit at the airport in Manila, saying carried her “with duct tape on her mouth, feet the Saudi activist said. The activist worried returned to her family. She also faces possible “airport officials had confiscated her passport and hands” at the airport. Asked about the that both women could be detained “for a criminal charges” for alleged parental disobe- and boarding pass” for a Sydney-bound flight. HRW statement by AFP yesterday, the long time”. Philippine President Rodrigo dience and harming the reputation of the The Canadian said she helped Lasloom film Philippine immigration department said it Duterte was on a state visit to Saudi Arabia on state with her public cries for help, the watch- social media videos about her plight. In one of had held no one of Lasloom’s name and no Monday and Tuesday when the incident dog said. It called on the Philippine govern- them she said: “If my family comes they will Saudi national. “There was no Saudi national occurred. ment to also investigate and hold account- kill me,” HRW said. Arranged marriages are by that name who presented herself,” spokes- The Berlin-based European Saudi able “any of their officials who failed to pro- the norm in Saudi Arabia, where a “guardian- woman Antonette Mangrobang said. Organization for Human Rights said that “the tect Dina Ali Lasloom”, as required by interna- ship” system requires a male family member, seriousness of what Dina Ali is facing” stems tional law. Madawi Al-Rasheed, a visiting pro- usually the father, husband or brother, to ‘Guardianship’ system blamed from the guardianship system. “Women’s fessor at the London School of Economics grant permission for a woman’s study, travel “As far as immigration is concerned, we did rights are... the most prominent human rights Middle East Centre, wrote on Twitter that and other activities. “Lasloom’s whereabouts not hold any Saudi national.” The spokes- problem in Saudi Arabia,” the group said. The Lasloom’s case is “a classic... in which state are currently unknown,” HRW said in a state- woman said that if Lasloom was a transiting Saudi embassy in the Philippines said on and family cooperate against women in KSA” ment from Manila. passenger, then she would not have passed Twitter that “the information that has been (the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia). —AFP INTERNATIONAL SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2017 IS ouster clears the way for soccer comeback in Mosul MOSUL: It was a grim time for football: Jihadists observed matches, jerseys from foreign teams were banned and even whistling was prohibited when the Islamic State group held Iraq’s Mosul. Play was halted for prayers, which occur five times a day, and shorts that exposed players’ knees were also banned by IS. Now, eastern Mosul has been recaptured from the jihadists and efforts are underway to rehabilitate football pitches, even as the battle for the city’s west continues on the other side of the Tigris River. “When we were playing, they were watching us and some of them carried weapons, and they prevented us from wearing foreign teams’ uniforms,” says Osama Ali Hamid, a 26-year-old player wearing the jersey of Germany’s Borussia Dortmund club. “If one of us arrived wearing a shirt with the logo of a foreign team, they’d remove the team’s logo with scissors,” Hamid said. Excitement dominated a recent match in eastern Mosul, at which young men gathered around a pitch that has been covered in new artificial turf to cheer on their comrades. “Now we are playing without Daesh monitoring,” says Laith Ali, 23, using an Arabic acronym for IS. “They imposed rules on us.” But now, the young men can keep playing even when the call to prayer sounds from the minarets of the city’s mosques. Football is wildly popular in Mosul, as it is in other areas across Iraq-indeed, the sport has been one of the few consistent unifiers in a long-divided country.

Battlefields, not playing fields The Mosul Club was one of the best-known football clubs in the country, and was preparing to return to the Iraqi league in 2014, when QARAQOSH: Iraqi Christian residents from Qaraqosh (also known as Hamdaniya), some 30 kilometers east of IS seized the northern city, preventing the players from going to quali- Mosul, take part in a parade as Christians celebrate the first Palm Sunday event in the town since Iraqi forces fying matches outside. The club’s buildings and facilities are located recaptured it from Islamic State (IS) group jihadists. —AFP on the eastern side of Mosul, but the main stadium is in west Mosul, which Iraqi forces are still battling to retake from IS. In 2012, work began to build a new stadium on the same spot with a planned Iraq’s Christians return to capacity of more than 20,000, but like the Mosul club’s Iraqi league aspirations, these plans were also thwarted by the IS assault in 2014. Mohammed Abdulkarim al-Mimaari, the head of the Youth and ransacked town with fear Sports Department in Nineveh province, of which Mosul is the capital, says that 12 football pitches in the city have been restored. In Sunni militant graffiti removed, Shiite slogans appear Mosul, the department is holding a sports event on the first day of each month, dubbing it “Sports Day,” spokesman Omar Shamseddin said. IS members “were playing with us in the beginning, they were QARAQOSH: With Islamic State expelled, south in the country, have scribbled such slo- But with the arrival of Islamic State, resi- treating us well. They are Iraqis from the local community,” says play- Iraqi Christians are trickling back to the ran- gans on buildings all over Mosul too. dents abandoned their homes with some er Hamid. But that did not last: they later “began saying in their ser- sacked town of Qaraqosh, beset by anxiety Soldiers have also hoisted the flag of Ali in applying for asylum in Europe. Germany mons in the mosques that the battlefields are better than the playing for their security and yet hopeful they can the city and on their on military vehicles. alone took in 130,000 Iraqis, among them fields”. “They even prohibited whistling” during matches based on live in friendship with Muslims of all persua- Shiites regard Ali, the son-in-law of the many Christians, in 2015 and 2016. But most the belief that it would cause “devils” to gather, says 25-year-old play- sions. The town, about 20 km from the bat- Prophet Mohammed, and the prophet’s ended up in Erbil with relatives or in homes er Mustafah Nour. Violating the prohibition resulted in two or three tlefront with Islamic State in the northern grandson Hussein as his true successors. Two paid for by aid agencies. Supermarkets and days in jail, he says. “But now, we play freely,” Hamid says. —AFP city of Mosul, shows why Christians have Shiite flags also fly over Qaraqosh. Most restaurants remain closed in Qaraqosh, with mixed feelings about the future of their Sunnis, who are the dominant community in windows smashed and burnt furniture ancient community. In the desecrated Mosul, have shrugged off the Shiite slogans strewn across floors. One of the few busi- churches of Qaraqosh, Christians are busy as the work of a handful of religious zealots nesses to have reopened is Steve Ibrahim’s British woman removing graffiti daubed by the Sunni but Christians take them as a signal that their alcohol shop in the town centre; in the Muslim militants during two and a half years future remains uncertain. “Of course we are absence of cafes it has become a meeting stabbed to death of control - only for new slogans to have afraid of such signs,” said Matti Yashou Hatti, point for local people. “Business has been appeared, scrawled by Shiite members of a photographer who still lives in Erbil with his good so far. Everybody comes here to stock the Iraqi forces fighting street to street with family. “We need international protection.” up,” said Ibrahim, who has just reopened the in Jerusalem the jihadists in Mosul. Those families who have returned to store with his father. JERUSALEM: A 23-year-old British female tourist was But nearby a shopkeeper is doing a brisk Qaraqosh - once home to 50,000 people - They lost everything when Islamic State, stabbed to death in Jerusalem yesterday and her attacker trade selling Dutch beer, Greek ouzo and sev- are trying to revive Christian life dating back known by its enemies as Daesh, wrecked arrested, police said. The attack took place on the tram eral whisky brands to Christians, Sunnis, Shiites two millennia. However, most stay only two their business. Now they have invested close to the Old City, where Christian commemorations and Kurds alike, with this kind of commerce or three days at a time to refurbish their loot- about $400 to refurbish the shop - new tiles were under way for Good Friday as Jews marked the perhaps offering a glimpse of how Iraq’s frac- ed and burnt homes. “We want to come shine on the walls - and customers are com- week-long Passover holiday. Israel’s domestic security tured communities could again live together back but there is no water and power,” said ing from beyond the town and from across agency Shin Bet said the suspected attacker was a 57-year- peacefully. Encouraged by security check- Mazam Nesin, a Christian who works for a the communities. “I sell drinks to Christians old Palestinian resident of east Jerusalem. Police had been points and patrols by a volunteer force, up to volunteer force based in Qaraqosh but has and Muslims alike,” he said. “Many people on high alert for Passover when tens of thousands of Jews 10 Christian families have returned to what left his family behind in Erbil. By contrast, come from Mosul or other towns.” Many of pray at the Western Wall inside the Old City and some visit used to be the minority’s biggest community displaced Muslims have been flocking back Ibrahim’s customers ignore Islam’s forbid- the flashpoint Al-Aqsa mosque compound above it. The in Iraq until Islamic State seized it in 2014. to markets in eastern Mosul since Islamic ding of alcohol consumption. While he was compound, which is the third holiest site in Islam and the Iraqi forces pushed the group out of State’s ejection from that part of the city, talking, a Sunni Muslim from eastern Mosul holiest site to Jews, who refer to it as the Temple Mount, is Qaraqosh in October, part of a six-month despite the battle raging in the Old City drove up to buy a bottle of whisky and four the source of constant tensions. offensive to retake Mosul. But residents are across the Tigris river which is the militants’ cans of beer, packed in a black plastic bag to Jews are allowed to visit but not pray at the site. worried that the Shiite slogans signal a new last stronghold. hide his purchase from the eyes of more reli- Palestinian fears that Israel will seek to change those rules kind of sectarian division. “Oh Hussein” is giously observant Muslims. have been the source of repeated violence. A wave of daubed in red on the wall of a church Alcohol shop “You couldn’t drink during Daesh. I am unrest which erupted in October 2015 has claimed the torched earlier by Islamic State, praising the Numbers of Christians in Iraq have fallen glad this shop is open again,” said the man lives of 260 Palestinians, 41 Israelis, two Americans, one hero of Shiite Muslims who was martyred from 1.5 million to a few hundred thousand who gave his name only as Mohammed, Jordanian, an Eritrean, a Sudanese and a Briton, according 1,300 years ago. “We are afraid of this, of ten- since the violence which followed the 2003 shaking hands with Christians enjoying an to an AFP count. Most of the Palestinians killed were carry- sions,” said Girgis Youssif, a church worker. toppling of Saddam Hussein. Many Baghdad afternoon beer. “I still only drink at home.” ing out knife, gun or car-ramming attacks, the Israeli “We want to live in peace and demand secu- residents who could not afford to go abroad Later a Shiite from a village south of Mosul authorities say. Others were shot dead during protests or rity,” said Youssif, who returned after fleeing went to Qaraqosh and other northern towns arrived to pick up drinks. “I come here clashes, while some were killed in Israeli air strikes on the to Erbil, about 60 km away in Iraqi Kurdistan. where security used to be better than in the twice a week. It’s the only shop in the Gaza Strip. The violence has greatly subsided in recent Shi’ites in the Iraqi government forces capital, rocked by sectarian warfare after the area,” he said, asking not to be named, months. —AFP and paramilitary groups, mostly from further US-led invasion. before driving off. —Reuters INTERNATIONAL SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2017 Five ways the referendum could change Turkey

ISTANBUL: Turkey votes tomorrow in a referendum on 2019 when presidential and legislative elections would to bitter lows during the referendum campaign as the expanding the powers of the presidency under Recep be held simultaneously. With the clock wound back president lashed out at Europe for what he said was Tayyip Erdogan. But the outcome could more broadly under the new system Erdogan, who became president behavior reminiscent of Nazi Germany. Erdogan has influence all aspects of the country’s future. Coming 94 in 2014, could take two more terms, allowing him to said Turkey’s membership bid would be “on the table” years after the foundation of modern Turkey by Mustafa stay in power until 2029 rather than 2024, currently. after the referendum and in every single campaign Kemal Ataturk, the referendum is a landmark vote that The executive presidency system “amasses unprece- speech said he would sign any bill restoring capital pun- may affect relations with the West, a peace process with dented power in the hands of one man,” said Alan ishment, a move that would automatically end its bid to Kurds and dynamics inside society. Here are five ways Makovsky, senior fellow at the Center for American join the bloc. the referendum could shape Turkey: Progress. Erdogan in combative speeches has not “The tactics of constantly bullying the EU... for countenanced the prospect of a ‘No’ vote and not given domestic political purposes have now reached their lim- Enhanced or weakened powers? the slightest indication he would consider his future. But its,” said Marc Pierini, visiting scholar at Carnegie If he wins the referendum, Erdogan will enjoy given the advantages of the ‘Yes’ campaign a ‘No’ Europe. In the event of an easy ‘Yes’ victory, Erdogan enhanced powers, be able to appoint ministers and would be a massive blow to his status as Turkey’s all- could have the confidence to take a decisive move have an entire bureaucracy centralized within his presi- powerful leader. away from EU integration and show Turkey can forge dential palace. Opponents worry that the new system alternative strategic alliances, including with Russia. One will lack the “checks and balances” that mark the US sys- EU integration or disintegration? alternative to full membership could be a strengthened tem, moving the presidency toward one man rule. The Relations between Turkey, a longstanding candidate customs union, but it is unclear if that would be palat- new system would be implemented from November to join the European Union, and its EU partners plunged able for Erdogan. —AFP

Afghanistan women embrace a new empowerment: Divorce JALALABAD: When Nadia’s heroin addict husband began assaulting her with a metal rod, she did something unthinkable for many women in Afghanistan-she left him. Domestic abuse is endemic in the deeply patriarchal country, but for the first time a growing number of Afghan women are embracing divorce as a new kind of empowerment. Divorce is Islamically deemed as halal (a permissible act) - but the worst sort, still a greater taboo than the abuse itself in a culture that remains unforgiving to women who part with their husbands. “He is a drug addict and an alcoholic. I cannot live with him anymore,” Nadia said of her husband of two years as she sobbed quietly behind the billowing folds of her burqa. Her father, sat next to her, also welled up with tears. Tribal elders from Nadia’s community attempted to intervene, cajoling her to go back to her abuser. Instead, she became the first woman in her family to ask for divorce. “God has given rights to women-divorce is one of them,” said Nadia, who is seeking legal separation with the help of Legal Aid Grant Facility (LAGF), part of a UNDP project established in 2014. Her husband has since left home, his whereabouts are unclear. National statistics are hard to come by, but in a sign of the upward trend LAGF says it has handled a 12 percent increase in divorce cas- ISTANBUL: Supporters of the ‘NO’ vote wave flags and sing songs during campaigning in Istanbul, ahead of es across Afghanistan over a period of three years. “Divorced Afghan women who have the chance to start a new life are becoming mod- the upcoming referendum. —AP els for other women, showing that an unhappy or abusive marriage does not have to be a life sentence,” Heather Barr, a Human Rights Watch researcher said. Stability or autocracy? Great shame Afghanistan has been a battleground for women’s rights since Turkey divided over key referendum the misogynistic Taliban were ousted from power in 2001, but divorce cases illustrate how gender parity remains a distant dream. It ANKARA: Turkey is heading toward a historic referendum on a new spread government crackdown that has targeted the followers of US- is relatively easy for men to initiate divorce, often just by verbally political system that could change the course of its history - and it has based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen - whom Turkey blames for the coup relaying the decision to their wives. But women must go to court, the country divided right down the middle. For supporters, change will and other government opponents. and can only seek separation based on specific complaints such as bring much-needed stability. Others fear it could lead Turkey down the Some 100,000 people - including judges and teachers - have been abuse or abandonment. Retaining a lawyer is no easy task even for path of an autocratic, one-man rule by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. dismissed, and more than 40,000 people, including journalists and those who can afford one: death threats against those representing Voters will decide on Sunday whether to approve constitutional opposition pro-Kurdish legislators, have been arrested. Hundreds of women in divorce cases are not uncommon. “Divorce is one of the changes that would replace the parliamentary system with a presiden- news outlets and non-governmental organizations have been shut clearest examples of discrimination still written into law in tial one, scrapping the office of the prime minister and handing over its down. The country is also dealing with the war in neighboring Syria Afghanistan,” Barr said. “Given the difficulty in finding a lawyer, corrup- powers to the president. which led to an influx of some 3 million refugees. Turkey has sent troops tion and misogyny in the courts, and the low rate of literacy among Erdogan, who has fronted the campaign for a “yes” vote, says the into Syria to help opposition Syrian forces clear a border area from the women, the result is that for many women divorce is all but impossi- proposed “Turkish style” presidential system will banish weak govern- threat posed by Islamic State militants. ble.” Some like 22-year-old Nafisa are stuck in limbo as her husband ments, establish an efficient state and bring prosperity to the country. A Meanwhile, Turkey is drifting further apart from Europe, following refuses to divorce her. After being engaged for 11 years, he married “yes” vote would allow a set of 18 constitutional reforms that grants the Erdogan’s recent outbursts slamming the governments in the her in absentia. Based in London, he authorized an Islamic guardian to president the power to appoint government ministers and senior offi- Netherlands and Germany as “Nazis” over their restrictions on Turkish solemnize their marriage ceremony in Jalalabad. But he has since cials, appoint half of the members in the country’s highest judicial body, ministers’ attempts to court Turkish expatriate votes. For Erdogan, 63, a refused to return to Afghanistan or take her with him, prompting declare states of emergency and issue decrees. presidential system has been a long-time dream. A prime minister for Nafisa to leave her father-in-law’s house and demand divorce. Nafisa’s Critics argue that will allow Erdogan - who has been in power either 11 years since 2003, he was elected president in 2014 for a five-year male relatives refused to let her talk to AFP, with her uncle only saying as prime minister or president since 2003 - to rule at least until 2029 term and took a far more active role in politics than his predecessors, that the acrimonious divorce proceedings in court had brought great with few checks and balances in a system where the separation of pow- ruling behind the scenes despite the current constitution that requires shame to the family and made her remarriage prospects difficult. ers will be less clear-cut. “The 18 articles foresee a very loose separation him to be neutral. Erdogan argues that as Turkey’s first president to be of powers,” said Ahmet Kasim Han, an associate professor of interna- directly elected by the people - instead of the parliament - he has a Compromise tional relations at Kadir Has University in Istanbul. That “unduly invests wider mandate than previous presidents. If approved, the reforms It is partly for this reason that divorce is strongly discouraged. the weight of the decisions and the power of the executive on the presi- would in effect legalize his de facto rule. Divorced women living independently are rare in Afghan society, dent,” he said. Polls suggest a neck-and-neck race for Sunday’s vote. The amendments were approved by parliament in January, but fell and are often viewed with suspicion and become targets of abuse. “It’s going to be a very close call and both ‘yes’ and ‘no’ are equally short of the majority required to directly come into effect without a Mediation is often the last hope to prevent the split-and women are probable as outcomes,” Han said. The referendum comes amid troubled national vote. Erdogan remains popular in Turkey’s conservative and almost always encouraged to compromise. AFP sat through one times for Turkey, which has been plagued by a string of bombings, religious heartlands, where he is seen as a strong leader who stands up mediation session in Kabul at the organization Women for Afghan renewed violence between the government forces and Kurdish rebels against Europe, terror threats and coup-plotters. Many believe he has Women, where 24-year-old Zahra met with her estranged husband and a failed coup attempt in July that resulted in a state of emergency improved services and health care, and given a voice to pious Muslims and mother-in-law. —AFP that remains in place. The emergency powers have permitted a wide- who at times felt marginalized by more secular governments. —AP INTERNATIONAL SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2017

France’s presidential race tightens further

PARIS: France’s presidential race looked tighter than it has all year yesterday, nine days before voting starts, as one poll put all four main candidates within touching distance of the two- person run-off round. The Ipsos-Sopra Sterna poll for daily Le Monde showed centrist Emmanuel Macron and far-right leader Marine Le Pen tied on 22 percent each in the April 23 first round, with the far-left’s Jean-Luc Melenchon and conservative Francois Fillon on 20 and 19 percent respectively. That 3 percentage point gap among the top four was within the poll’s margin of error, suggesting the election is wide open. Were he to qualify for the second round on May 7, Macron is still seen winning whoever his opponent is, but the most striking trend of the past days has been Melenchon’s sharp rise in first round voting intentions since performing well in two TV debates in late March and early April. A second poll published on Friday showed a bigger, six-point gap separating the four main players in a first-round field of 11 candidates. The daily survey by Opinionway had Macron as leader on 23 percent and Melenchon the laggard on 17. Melenchon’s progress is, however, worrying investors in view of his hostility to the European Union and plans to repeal pro-business labor reforms. Opinion polls show that, should he reach the second NICE: In this file photo, police officers stand by medical personnel attending a person on the ground in Nice, southern round, he could win against Fillon or Le Pen. France, next to the lorry that had been driven into crowds of revelers. With the scars and threat of extremist violence Polls have consistently shown that Le Pen, who is also hos- looming over France’s presidential election, voters will cast ballots under a state of emergency that is becoming a part tile to the EU and wants to dump the euro currency, would not of the fabric of French life. — AP win the presidency whoever she faced in the run-off. French judges investigating her alleged misuse of EU funds to pay for party assistants have asked for her parliamentary immunity to Fears, scars of extremism loom be lifted, though her legal woes have not been as harmful to her in the polls as the allegations of nepotism that have plagued Fillon’s campaign. The Le Monde poll was conducted over French presidential vote on April 12 and 13 among 1,509 people. — Reuters Far-right leader vows to rid Muslims of extremists Libyan rivals clash PARIS: The scars of extremist violence run deep in today’s promises that resonate with an electorate that has gradually France, and the threat of new attacks hangs heavy over the shifted to the right on security issues. Far-right leader Marine Le in neglected south upcoming presidential election. Voters will cast ballots under a Pen has been the most outspoken, blaming a surge in immigra- state of emergency that is increasingly stitched into the fabric of tion and lax attitudes toward Islamic fundamentalism for TRIPOLI: Libya’s southern desert, long neglected by cen- French life. Yet terrorism is not the No 1 campaign issue for France’s recent attacks. She vowed in a speech Monday to crack tral authorities, risks becoming an arena for score-settling France’s two-round presidential election on April 23 and May 7; down on criminals who risk turning to jihad and to rid France’s between rival governments vying for clout across the jobs are. Georges Salines wants to make sure the next president Muslim population of fundamentalists who intimidate peaceful war-torn country, analysts say. Clashes erupted last week doesn’t forget how extremist attacks have damaged France. His believers. She would add 50,000 soldiers to France’s 200,000- as forces loyal to Libya’s eastern authorities battled to daughter Lola was killed when Islamic State fighters stormed strong military and buy more jets, ships and armored vehicles. seize a key southern airbase from militias that back a Paris’ Bataclan theater in November 2015, the deadliest of sev- Independent centrist Emmanuel Macron - whom polls consider United Nations-endorsed unity government. eral attacks to hammer this country since French voters last the front-runner in the unpredictable race - wants an interna- The offensive by the self-proclaimed Libyan National chose a leader in 2012. tional initiative to press US social media giants to halt the Army (LNA) commanded by military strongman Field “Mr or Madame President, this question of terrorism is very spread of “Islamist propaganda” and to force internet firms to Marshal Khalifa Haftar threatened to trigger a broader important, very difficult and we request a comprehensive provide data encryption keys to police when needed in a coun- conflict with forces allied to the Tripoli-based approach,” he says. “You have to act all the time, from the time terterrorism investigation. Government of National Accord (GNA). The unity govern- when the person is in danger of becoming a terrorist to the ment, the rival administration in eastern Libya and their aftermath of an attack ... you have to act at the international lev- 30,000 fake accounts respective backers are battling for influence in the North el, the national level, at the local level of the families and even Facebook said it has targeted 30,000 fake accounts linked to African country which has been wracked by chaos since individuals.” Lola, a 28-year-old who edited children’s books, France ahead of the country’s presidential election, as part of a the fall of dictator Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. played the ukulele and adored roller derby, went to the worldwide effort against misinformation. It said it has “taken So far tensions between the two sides had been main- Bataclan for a concert on Nov 13, 2015, and never came home. action” against the French accounts, removing sites with the ly limited to the country’s north. But last week, the LNA In the chaos of the attack’s ensuing hours, her father and broth- highest traffic. Le Pen, Macron and conservative presidential launched an offensive on the Tamenhant airbase on the er launched a desperate search for her on social media. candidate Francois Fillon all want to boost France’s defense outskirts of the city of Sebha. The most important airbase spending - and some candidates are talking about reviving the in the south, it is a base for the “Third Force”, one of sev- Extremist attacks military draft. France’s military is on the front line of the fight eral powerful pro-GNA militias from the western city of Today, she rests in Paris’ Pere-Lachaise cemetery. Extremist against Islamic extremism, with operations in Syria, Iraq and Misrata. Haftar’s LNA “wants to achieve a victory in the attacks on France have claimed more than 230 other lives since Africa’s Sahel region, as well as on its own territory. southern region of Fezzan to boost its position & GNA is 2015. They include cartoonists at the satirical newspaper Charlie While tough-on-security rhetoric has become more common mobilizing to prevent that”, analyst Mohamed Eljarh of Hebdo, shoppers at a kosher market, children watching holiday among French politicians, French voters aren’t necessarily look- the Atlantic Council tweeted. fireworks on the French Riviera, an elderly priest celebrating ing for a great protector. Said Frederic Michael, a pollster for Mass in Normandy, young people dancing to music. “These are Opinion Way. “Unlike in the US, the idea of having a strong Potential for clashes tragedies of enormous importance. And behind one victim, leader, a protector of the country, is not among the traits that is The UN-backed government, which both Haftar and there are many, many other indirect casualties, because we all most desired for the president of the country. We want him first Libya’s eastern-based parliament have refused to recog- grieve and suffer the loss of our loved ones,” Dr Salines said in of all to be honest, and then we want him to be competent, and nize, has announced a counter-offensive against the LNA. his medical office. then to have the stature of a president,” Michael said. Fighting World powers this week sounded the alarm over the He now heads an association, called November 13 - extremism will be a top challenge for France’s next president, clashes, and in a joint statement, the five permanent Fraternity and Truth, that has sent a letter to France’s 11 presi- and a complex one, partly because the problem is homegrown. members of the UN Security Council called for de-escala- dential candidates asking them to lay out their counterterrorism There are more jihadis from France in the Islamic State group tion. “We underline the difference between acts against plans. Those candidates will all compete in the April 23 first- than from any other Western country, including many young the terrorist threat and acts that can lead to further dete- round vote, with the top two vote-getters moving on to the French-born men with family origins in France’s former colonies rioration of the situation in Libya,” they said. presidential runoff on May 7. Already two attackers have tried to in North Africa. Facing dim job prospects and discrimination in To date, the unity government had largely avoided target Paris sites during this presidential campaign - one at the poor French suburbs, they are easily wooed by charismatic displaying open hostility towards Haftar, who is accused Louvre Museum, the other at Orly Airport. Other, more deadly recruiters online. But violence in France and elsewhere in recent of wanting to establish a military dictatorship in Libya. attacks have hit countries around Europe in recent months. years has shown that there’s no single profile of a potential But “local armed groups and tribes could be caught into attacker. Some jihadis worked in groups, others worked alone. this fight and things could spiral out of control,” said Far-right leader Their motivations and methods are so varied that authorities Mattia Toaldo, a Libya specialist at the European Council Across the political spectrum, the French candidates are admit they can’t protect everything all the time. Cracking down on Foreign Relations. — AFP pledging more military spending and more robust intelligence - too hard is also controversial. — AP INTERNATIONAL SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2017 ‘Mother of all bombs’ kills 36 Islamic State militants

ACHIN: The top US military commander in verified, and yesterday Afghan and foreign troops in time that we encountered an extensive obstacle to Afghanistan said yesterday that the decision to the vicinity were not allowing reporters or locals to our progress,” he said of a joint Afghan-US operation deploy one of the largest conventional bombs ever approach the scene of the blast. The strike came as that has been targeting Islamic State since March. “It used in combat was purely tactical, and made as US President Donald Trump prepares to dispatch his was the right time to use it tactically against the part of the campaign against Islamic State-linked first high-level delegation to Kabul, amid uncertainty right target on the battlefield.” fighters. As many as 36 suspected Islamic State mili- about his plans for the nearly 9,000 American troops Afghan and US forces were at the scene of the tants were killed in the strike on Thursday evening stationed in Afghanistan. strike and reported that the “weapon achieved its in the eastern province of Nangarhar, Afghan Nicknamed “the mother of all bombs,” the intended purpose,” Nicholson said. Afghan Defense defense officials said, adding there were no civilian weapon was dropped from an MC-130 aircraft in the Ministry spokesman Dawlat Waziri said no civilians casualties. Achin district of Nangarhar, bordering Pakistan. were harmed in the massive blast that targeted a Amaq, the news agency affiliated with Islamic Nicholson said he was in constant communication network of caves and tunnels that had been heavily State in the Middle East, carried a statement denying with officials in Washington, but the decision to use mined. “No civilian has been hurt and only the that the group had suffered casualties in the attack, the 21,600-pound (9,797-kg) GBU-43 bomb was base, which Daesh used to launch attacks in other citing an unidentified source who had been in con- based on his assessment of military needs and not parts of the province, was destroyed,” Waziri said in tact. The statements could not be independently broader political considerations. “This was the first a statement. —Reuters

‘Mother of all bombs’ targets Islamic State KABUL: The United States dropped a 21,600-pound GBU-43 bomb, one of the largest non-nuclear devices used in combat, on a suspected Islamic State target in Afghanistan on Thursday. Here are some details about the bomb, based on information from the US military, independent security think-tanks and media reports. Exploding above the ground Described by the US Air Force as its “largest non- nuclear conventional weapon”, the 9,840 kg Massive Ordnance Air Blast Bomb (MOAB) - also dubbed the Mother of All Bombs - is packed with 11 tons of high explosives. The MOAB is not a bunker buster built for deep penetration, but is designed to explode just above the ground, flattening surfaces structures, destroying mines and killing enemy troops within a radius of up to around 150 meters. MOAB is also envisaged as a psychological weapon deployed to shock enemy combatants with its power. The Russian military says it has tested a more powerful device, dubbed the “Father of all Bombs”, although there are no reports of it having been used in action. CHECHNYA: People protest outside the Russian Embassy in London, following reports of the torture and mur- ‘Flattener’ der of gay men in Chechnya. The United Nations’ High Commissioner for Human Rights called upon the Russian Designed in 2003 for use against Iraqi forces, the government in a statement “to put an end to the persecution of people perceived to be gay or bisexual. —AP MOAB succeeded the Vietnam War-era, 15,000 pound BLU-82 “Daisy Cutter”. Daisy Cutters were primarily dropped to clear landing zones for helicopters oper- Newspaper fears for staff after ating in the Southeast Asian jungle. They could flat- ten a 60-metre wide patch of jungle and destroy Chechen clerics vow vengeance mines and other booby traps without leaving a crater. They were also used to stun North Vietnamese or Viet Clerics adopted resolution promising revenge Cong units lying in wait for American troops. Both the MOAB and Daisy Cutter are dropped from C-130 transport aircraft, with a parachute dragging a pallet MOSCOW: Russia’s most famous campaigning newspaper editor, said yesterday that the resolution was an incitement to holding the bomb out of the back. Apart from pro- said yesterday it had appealed to the Kremlin to protect its violence and that he was worried about his staff’s safety. “This ducing a bigger bang than the Daisy Cutter, MOAB is staff after Chechen clerics said the paper faced “retribution” resolution is encouraging religious fanatics to retaliate against for alleging that gay men in Chechnya were being tortured our journalists,” he said in a statement, calling on the authori- equipped with a GPS guidance system. The Daisy and killed. Novaya Gazeta published an article this month ties to protect journalists and stop anyone whipping up Cutter was used in the first Gulf War in 1991 and later which said authorities in the majority Muslim southern Russian hatred against them. in Afghanistan, including in the hunt for Osama bin republic had rounded up over 100 gay men or men suspected Two of Novaya’s reporters specializing in Chechnya - Anna Laden during the Battle of Tora Bora. It was taken out of being gay and tortured them. It said at least three of them Politkovskaya and Natalya Estermirova - have been murdered of service in 2008. had been killed. in the last decade. Neither case has been fully solved. Set up Kremlin critics saw the report as further evidence that with financial help from ex-Soviet president Mikhail British heritage Moscow allows authorities in Chechnya to run the region - Gorbachev in 1993, Novaya Gazeta is well-known in Russia for The US Air Force’s big air blast bombs and its heavy which has been consumed by two wars since the Soviet col- its investigations into official corruption, its reporting on bunker busters trace their origins back to “earthquake lapse - as a feudal fiefdom in exchange for separatist and radi- Chechnya, criticism of the authorities and coverage of the bombs” of World War Two designed by the British. cal Islamist sentiment being brutally suppressed. Chechnya’s opposition in a media landscape where most big-circulation Also known as “Tallboy” and “Grand Slam”, the Moscow-backed president Ramzan Kadyrov denies allegations newspapers are loyal to the Kremlin. devices penetrated deep into the ground with hard- human rights are routinely flouted. His spokesman Alvi The Kremlin said it was following the situation closely and ened steel casings before exploding. The British Royal Karimov called Novaya’s report “an absolute lie”, saying there that anyone who thought Novaya’s report was false should were no gay men in Chechnya to be persecuted. “Nobody can contest it through the courts. “We are against any actions that Air Force used them to attack strategic German tar- detain or harass anyone who is simply not present in the could pose a threat to the safety or lives of journalists,” gets. The larger 22,000-pound Grand Slam became republic,” Karimov told the Interfax news agency. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. Peskov said the US military’s T-14, spawning a generation of Novaya’s report also caused outrage among Chechnya’s that reports about gay men being tortured in Chechnya could bunker busters. The US Air Force also modified the Muslim clerics, who adopted a resolution saying it had insult- not be regarded as reliable at this stage however, and that the 12,000-pound Tallboy to create the T-10 for use ed the dignity and Islamic faith of Chechen men and society. Kremlin was not aware of the police receiving any complaints against Imperial Japanese forces in the Pacific. It was “We promise that retribution will catch up with the hate-mon- on the subject. Novaya said Russian investigators had so far put into storage unused when the atomic bombings gers wherever and whoever they are and with no statute of ignored a request it sent to the authorities to investigate the of Hiroshima and Nagasaki ended the war. —Reuters limitations,” the resolution read. Dmitry Muratov, Novaya’s contents of its report.—Reuters INTERNATIONAL SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2017

With too few priests, Portuguese women step up

REGUENGOS DE MONSARAZ: Facing a shortage of What matters is having someone from the communi- mass but without the rite of consecrating bread for Roman Catholic priests, women churchgoers have ty who maintains our connection with the priest, communion or the Eucharistic prayer. The Vatican stepped in to lead Sunday services in villages in even when he isn’t here,” she said. and many clergy members have refused to encour- southeastern Portugal, a sign the ageing communi- age the practice, fearing a trivialisation of the tradi- ties are open to change. In the tiny church of No misgivings tion of Mass. Father Manuel had no such misgivings. Carrapatelo, a village overlooking the vineyards of A divorced social worker without children, she is To him, the need to set up Sunday services with- the Reguengos de Monsaraz region, Claudia Rocha one of 16 laypeople-eight men and eight women- out a priest became apparent as soon as he took on stands before a dozen mostly elderly female church- chosen by Father Manuel Jose Marques to help his seven parishes around 16 years ago. Before, goers wearing a black dress and sneakers. Her ensure regular attendance at the seven parishes he there had been three priests for the seven parishes in leather jacket and smartphone sit on the front-row presides over. “It might seem strange and new, but Reguengos de Monsaraz, a town in the region of bench as the 31-year-old leads what the church we haven’t invented anything here. It’s a tool that Alentejo between Evora and the Spanish border. He terms “Sunday Celebrations in the Absence of a has long been set out in the Church’s guidelines, for assembled a group of 16 volunteers aged between Priest” with ease. cases when it’s absolutely necessary,” says the 57- 24 and 65 from varied backgrounds. “These are peo- After prayers and church hymns, she makes com- year-old priest. ple who have experience with faith and welcoming ments on the day’s biblical reading, a form of preach- The practice of Sunday services being led by Christ, and who know how to talk about it,” he says, ing. At the end, Rocha hands out communion wafers laypeople in a priest’s absence take place in a number noting he makes no distinction between men and representing the body of Christ that were blessed by of countries, including Canada, France, Germany, the women. Lay women step in, too, in other rural parts the priest beforehand, but wine is not part of the cer- Netherlands, Portugal, Switzerland and the US.It of Portugal, whose population of 10 million is over- emony. “This church would be closed if I wasn’t here. began in the 1980s, when services were prepared whelmingly Catholic but only counts around 3,500 Who cares if I am a woman, a deacon or a priest? with a priest or ordained clergy member, resembling priests for 4,400 congregations. —AFP

Japanese court upholds ‘black widow’ sentence

TOKYO: A Japanese “black widow” convicted of murdering three boyfriends she had met online and dated for their money faces execution after Japan’s Supreme Court yesterday dismissed her final appeal. Kanae Kijima, 42, who has married twice since she was detained in 2009, killed three men in the space of eight months through carbon monoxide poi- soning, by burning charcoal briquettes after giving them sleeping tablets. A spokesman for Japan’s top court confirmed it had ruled against an appeal lodged by Kijima. Her legal team has claimed her innocence, saying the three men were likely to have committed sui- cide, according to public broadcaster NHK. The death penalty has overwhelm- ing public support in Japan, despite repeated protests from European governments and human rights groups. Executions are by hanging, however it can North Korean soldiers take part in a demonstration at an undisclosed location in North Korea. —AP take years before they are carried out. The case has been closely followed in Japan and major media flashed news of US assessing military options; the top court decision across television screens. Kijima writes a blog from the detention centre where she has been North Korea Nuke test looms held, detailing her life inside, the food and talking about men she likes. In the latest post on Thursday, she wrote to her Washington warns its patience is over readers: “I hope to see you again some- where someday.” Kijima’s first victim, 53- PYONGYANG: North Korea denounced the the world’s biggest hotspot, huge nuclear strate- ‘Opportunity to talk’ year-old Takao Terada was found dead United States yesterday for bringing “huge gic assets, seriously threatening peace and security China, North Korea’s sole major ally and neighbor, in Tokyo in January 2009. Kenzo Ando, nuclear strategic assets” to the Korean peninsula of the peninsula and pushing the situation there which nevertheless opposes Pyongyang’s weapons 80, died in his home in Chiba prefecture as a US aircraft carrier group headed for the to the brink of a war,” the North’s KCNA news program, has called for talks leading to a peaceful res- in May 2009, and three months later 41- region amid concerns the North may conduct a agency said yesterday, citing the statement. “This olution and the denuclearization of the peninsula. year-old Yoshiyuki Oide was found poi- sixth nuclear weapon test. Tension has risen since has created a dangerous situation in which a ther- “Military force cannot resolve the issue,” Chinese soned in a rented car, also from bri- the US Navy fired 59 Tomahawk missiles at a mo-nuclear war may break out any moment on Foreign Minister Wang Yi told reporters in Beijing on quette fumes. Syrian airfield last week in response to a deadly the peninsula and posed serious threat to the Thursday. “Amid tensions we will also find a kind of Kijima was convicted without the wit- gas attack, raising concerns about US President world peace and security, to say nothing of those opportunity to return to talks.” While Trump has put ness testimony or confession often relied Donald Trump’s plans for North Korea, which has in Northeast Asia,” it said. North Korea on notice that he will not tolerate any upon in Japanese prosecutions. Instead more provocation, US officials have said his adminis- conducted missile and nuclear tests in defiance of North Korea, still technically at war with the prosecutors rested their case on layers of UN and unilateral sanctions. South after their 1950-53 conflict ended in a truce, tration is focusing its strategy on tougher economic The United States has warned that its policy of not a treaty, has on occasion conducted missile or sanctions. Trump said on Thursday Pyongyang was a circumstantial evidence, such as Kijima’s “strategic patience” is over. US Vice President Mike nuclear tests to coincide with big political events problem that “will be taken care of” and that he purchases of sleeping pills and coal bri- Pence travels to South Korea on Sunday on a long- and often threatens the United States, South Korea believed Chinese President Xi Jinping would “work quettes, in addition to the fact that she planned 10-day trip to Asia. A spokesman for the and Japan. Today, it marks the “Day of the Sun”, very hard” to help resolve the challenge. Trump has had met with each man shortly before he North Korean Foreign Ministry’s Institute for the 105th anniversary of the birth of state founder also said the United States is prepared to tackle the died. She was also found guilty of seven Disarmament and Peace issued a statement con- Kim Il Sung. The dollar fell yesterday against a bas- crisis without China, if necessary. He diverted the other lesser crimes, including fraud and demning the United States for the attack on Syria, ket of currencies, on track for a losing week as ten- nuclear-powered USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier and theft. In another “black widow” case, while also calling for “peace by strength”. sion over North Korea underpinned the perceived its strike group towards the Korean peninsula last Chisako Kakehi, 70, is awaiting trial in June “The US introduces into the Korean peninsula, safe-haven Japanese yen. weekend in a show of force. —Reuters for allegedly killing several men. —AFP INTERNATIONAL SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2017 Catholics in the Philippines re-enact crucifixion MANILA: Catholics in the Philippines re- province of Pampanga, 80 km north of the was his key motivation to participate this year. Rodrigo Duterte launched a bloody war on enacted the crucifixion of Jesus Christ in a capital, Manila, drawing hundreds of tourists “I am praying for the victims, the victims of drugs in June. More than 2,600 of the deaths gory display of devotion on Good Friday, with despite the Catholic Church’s disapproval of drug addicts,” said Enaje. “These drug addicts were in police operations, but many others actors costumed as Roman soldiers hammer- what it sees as a form of folk religion. Ruben can waste their life, but we should also still were in mysterious circumstances. Enaje said ing nails of stainless steel through their hands Enaje, who was nailed to a cross for the 31st pray for them because they’ve done wrong.” he wished good health for the brash Philippine and feet into wooden crosses. Nine Filipinos consecutive time, said praying for those killed More than 8,000 suspected drug addicts and leader to “do what he thinks needs to be done were nailed to crosses in three villages in the by criminals and drug addicts in the country dealers have been killed since President in the country”. —Reuters INTERNATIONAL SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2017

US, Mexico hunt corrupt, drug-pushing officials MEXICO CITY: Crooked cops, greedy governors States. Mexican authorities offered $800,000 ple to commit crimes,” said Jose Antonio Reyes turned himself in to police in Chicago and pusher-prosecutors: Corruption and drug for Yarrington’s capture. But analysts say what Crespo, a political analyst at the Economic after learning that he was being investigated crime reach to high places in Mexico, which is most speeded up his arrest was pressure from Research and Teaching Center. “They know for warning drug gangs when they were infil- getting a jolt from US efforts to hunt down top up north. “His detention has happened that the likelihood of being punished is mini- trated or spied on. The force’s commissioner suspects. Analysts say officials have been get- because the United States wanted it to, not so mal and that with a bit of luck they can buy off Manelich Castilla vowed to crack down on ting away for decades with corruption in a coun- much because the Mexican government made the judge and escape.” Police in California last dodgy officers. “There will be no place in the try dominated by big, powerful drug gangs. a decisive decision,” says Hope. Opposition month arrested the chief public attorney of the Federal Police for those who betray the ideals “There is a systemic problem of corruption lawmaker Jorge Lopez Martin of the National western Mexican state of Nayarit, Edgar Veytia, of this institution and the ideals of the coun- among the local and state-level authorities,” said Action Party called for Yarrington to be judged accused of trafficking cocaine, marijuana and try,” he told a news conference. “They will be Alejandro Hope, a former Mexican intelligence in the United States and not Mexico, “so that methamphetamine. “They grabbed him there. pursued and punished.” agent who is now a security consultant. In the there can be no room for impunity.” Over here no one knew about it,” Crespo said. latest high-profile case grabbing headlines this “Often it is the United States that puts an end Embezzlement week, the former Tamaulipas state governor Impunity - to impunity. Here, they turn a blind eye.” Mexicans know the cost of drug crime, Tomas Yarrington was arrested in Italy on An “impunity index” study last year by the which has killed thousands. But corruption Sunday. In 2000 he posed smiling with the University of the Americas Puebla found that Drugs angers them even more, Hope says. One recent then-governor of Texas and future US president, fewer than five percent of crimes reported in Federal authorities have vowed to crack case involved the fugitive former governor of George W Bush. Mexico end up being punished. “There is so down on crime, but corruption makes that dif- the violence-stricken eastern state of Veracruz, Expelled in December from Mexico’s gov- much corruption, so much impunity, the judi- ficult. The Federal Police last week acknowl- Javier Duarte. He was found to have left behind erning Institutional Revolutionary Party, cial system is so easily corrupted and the penal edged apparent wrongdoing by a senior a store of artworks, antiques, luxury goods and Yarrington is wanted on charges of drug-relat- system is so useless that it not only allows the agent in its drug squad: Ivan Reyes Arzate, even school and medical supplies apparently ed crimes by both Mexico and the United drug trade but actually encourages many peo- who was serving as a liaison with US police. intended for social programs. — AFP

Trump flipflops on NATO, China, Russia, Syria, trade WASHINGTON: Donald Trump has long been seen as mer- curial, but maybe never quite so much as this past week. The US president in recent days abandoned a series of campaign promises and strident world views that were held for months and, in some cases, years. From China to Syria, trade to the dollar, a rapid succession of 180 degree reversals has left Washington, foreign capitals and Trump’s own fans with a nasty case of political whiplash. Just 87 days ago Trump declared NATO “obsolete.” On Wednesday he proclaimed “it’s no longer obsolete,” a seemingly miraculous rediscovery of purpose for the usually slow-moving alliance. After talks and a slice of chocolate cake at Mar-a-Lago, China’s Xi Jinping was no longer responsible for the “rape” of the US economy. Instead, Xi was a leader with whom Trump enjoyed good “chemistry” and “bonding.” Others were not so lucky-falling on the MOSCOW: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov (center) Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem (left) and Iranian wrong side of Trump’s list of good guys and bad guys. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif arrive to attend a news conference following their talks focused on Syria in Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad went from tolerated Moscow yesterday. — AP leader to political dead man walking, after Trump saw images of toddlers suffocating from a suspected sarin attack blamed on Damascus.”That’s a butcher. That’s a Russia, Iran and Syria butcher,” Trump said, adding there was no place for Assad in Syria’s future politics. “There is a moral affront and there is maybe a personal anger, even a humiliation for Trump,” issue warning to US said Hussein Ibish of the Arab Gulf States Institute. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s refusal to end his support for Assad has resulted in another dramatic about face. It was “certainly possible” Putin knew about the sarin Russia blames rebels for chemical attack attack, Trump said. “Right now, we’re not getting along MOSCOW: Russia, Syria and Iran strong- blame on Damascus until an independent Lavrov said the US strike on the Syrian with Russia at all. We may be at an all-time low in terms of ly warned the United States yesterday inquiry has been conducted. Moscow base has undermined peace efforts in relationship with Russia,” Trump said pensively. He may against launching new strikes on Syria vetoed a Western draft UN resolution Syria and reflected Washington’s focus have omitted the Cuban Missile Crisis and much of the Cold and called for an international probe Wednesday, saying it failed to mention on ousting Syrian President Bashar War, but it was an unmistakable message and a far cry from into last week’s chemical attack there. the need to inspect the area of the attack. Assad’s government. “Such attempts the praise Putin got from Trump during the campaign. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Lavrov yesterday accused the US and won’t succeed,” Lavrov said. The three Almost simultaneously, Trump also reversed his opposition who hosted his Iranian and Syrian coun- its allies of what he described as ministers also discussed the beefing up to the Export-Import Bank, said he might renominate Fed terparts at a trilateral meeting in attempts to stymie an international of US forces on Jordan’s border with chair Janet Yellen after all and proclaimed the dollar too Moscow, denounced last week’s US probe into the attack. He expressed Syria. Moallem said. He added that strong. And his budget guru quietly declared that a prom- attack on Syria as a “flagrant violation” strong skepticism about a preliminary Russia, Iran and Syria have “common pro- ise to eliminate the deficit was just “hyperbole.” of international law and warned that investigation conducted by the UN cedures against any aggression,” but any further such action would entail chemical weapons watchdog, saying wouldn’t offer any specifics. The Trump doctrine? “grave consequences not only for that its experts have failed to visit the Lavrov that Moscow has asked For White House spin doctors, these were not policy U- regional but global security.” Syrian site and it has remained unclear to Washington about the purpose of the turns at all, but evidence Trump is bending the world to his Foreign Minister Walid Moallem said the Russia where the samples have been tak- buildup and received assurances they will. “If you look at what’s happened, it’s those entities or meeting sent a “strong message” to en and how they have been analyzed. were there to cut supply lines between individuals in some cases, or issues, evolving towards the Washington. Iran’s Mohammad Javad In Russia’s view, the probe conducted the Islamic State group factions in Syria president’s position,” said White House press secretary Zarif emphasized that the participants by the Organization for the Prohibition and Iraq. “We will keep monitoring the Sean Spicer. On issues like NATO turning its attention to warned that any unilateral action by the of Chemical Weapons should be widened issue, since the only possible reason for terrorism to China abandoning currency manipulation- US is unacceptable. to include experts from many nations, he using military force on the territory of from the White House perspective, things are just getting The US has blamed the Syrian govern- said. “If our US colleagues and some Syria is to fight terrorism,” Lavrov said. better in the Age of Trump. ment for launching a deadly chemical European nations believe that their ver- Russia has staunchly backed Assad’s In reality, China stopped weakening the yuan years ago attack in Khan Sheikhoun that killed over sion is right, they have no reason to fear government throughout a civil war that and NATO has been fighting jihadist groups for the better 80 people on April 4, and responded by the creation of such an independent has dragged into a seventh year. It has part of a decade. Part of the explanation for Trump’s rever- striking a Syrian air base. Russia has group,” Lavrov added. “The investigation conducted an air campaign in Syria sal may come from inside the White House, where radicals alleged that the victims were killed by tox- into this high-profile incident must be since September 2015, saving Assad like Steve Bannon, Mike Flynn and KT McFarland have ic agents released from a rebel chemical transparent and leave no doubt that from imminent collapse and helping been sacked or notably sidelined. —AFP arsenal and warned against putting the someone is trying to hide something.” reverse military fortunes.— AP US business wary of skin-deep Japan’s frugal households Bangkok sidewalks get less 18 19 spicy as food carts removed20 Businessresults from Trump-Xi talks no respite for BOJ, retailers SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2017 Bribe department: How Odebrecht organized16 graft

ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Maryland: US President Donald Trump waves as he boards Air Force One on Thursday en route to Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach, Florida. — AP Why Trump offering outstretched hand President learns go-it-alone policies don’t work

WASHINGTON: What happened to Donald nated China a currency manipulator. That self- month, it appeared to keep much of the It’s possible that Trump could still turn more Trump the “America First” trade warrior? This imposed deadline came and went. As recently agreement intact. Likewise, during the cam- confrontational on trade. He’s already with- week, Trump abandoned a campaign vow to as April 2, in an interview with the Financial paign Trump spoke of slapping a 45 percent drawn from an ambitious Asia-Pacific trade label China a currency manipulator. Two Times newspaper, Trump had accused China tariff on Chinese imports. Even before he took pact negotiated by the Obama administration. weeks ago, his administration proposed a of keeping its currency artificially low to give office, though, his aides were already down- And his nominee to be US trade representa- mild rewrite of the North American Free Trade its exporters an unfair price advantage in playing the tariff threat. tive, Robert Lighthizer, has advocated more Agreement, which he’d previously branded a world markets. The charge exasperated econ- In fact, the president’s trade stance on aggressive use of trade laws to fight unfair for- job-killing “disaster”. And his threat to slap omists, who overwhelmingly say that while China has taken an even softer tone since he eign competition, especially from China. harsh tariffs on Chinese goods has given way China did manipulate its currency several met last week with President Xi Jinping. Still, free-trade advocates would feel far to a bid to mend fences with Beijing. years ago, it has not done so anytime recently. Trump is seeking China’s help in dealing with more encouraged if the administration This hardly resembles the candidate Far from undercutting its currency - the yuan - an increasingly belligerent and dangerous worked within existing trade pacts rather Trump who sold himself as a pugnacious out- China has instead been spending its foreign North Korean regime. “I think he wants to than tearing them up. Trump’s confrontation- sider, hell-bent on upending decades of US reserves to prop up the yuan at a time when help us on North Korea,” Trump said of Xi, al talk about America’s trade partners had support for ever-freer trade to safeguard many Chinese are pulling money from the praising China for rejecting shipments of played well on the campaign trail, especially American jobs from nations that play unfairly. country to invest overseas. North Korean coal, a move that puts financial in Midwestern and Southern towns that lost The recent climb-downs suggest a new presi- “It’s absurd to call China a currency pressure on the repressive regime in jobs to Chinese and Mexican competitors. dent learning that go-it-alone trade policies manipulator at the moment,” says Adam Pyongyang. Asked whether the administra- But plenty of other Americans have a vital don’t easily work. “The president is beginning Posen, an economist who leads the Peterson tion’s decision on China’s currency was part of stake in preserving cordial trade relations. US to adjust his policies to economic reality,” says Institute for International Economics, which an agreement over North Korea, Trump said farmers, for example, have mostly benefited Joshua Meltzer, a specialist in international advocates free trade. The US Treasury Wednesday, “We’re going to see about that.” from NAFTA: Their exports to Mexico, for trade and a senior fellow at the Brookings Department had faced an April 15 deadline Regardless, the president appears to have instance, have risen nearly five-fold since the Institution. to submit a report to Congress declaring decided that “needlessly antagonizing China deal took effect in 1994. His spokesman, Sean Spicer, has defended whether or not China was a currency manip- over an issue that doesn’t exist is not a partic- And American auto manufacturers have Trump’s shift on trade issues, explaining that ulator. It was clear, under the department’s ularly fruitful strategy,” Brookings’ Meltzer spent two decades building complex supply his major promise was to deliver results - not standards, that China was not guilty. In an said. Trump has also flip-flopped on the US chains that ferry components and finished cling to any one policy stance. “The presi- interview Wednesday, Trump bowed to reali- Export-Import Bank, which helps exporters by cars back and forth across the US-Mexico bor- dent’s tough talk on a variety of subjects was ty. “They’re not currency manipulators,” he making and guaranteeing loans and provid- der. A NAFTA overhaul would likely disrupt to get results for the American people,” Spicer told The Wall Street Journal. ing insurance. As a candidate, Trump attacked their operations. Posen of the Peterson said. Nowhere has Trump’s shifting trade poli- the agency as useless, and many conserva- Institute says Trump might be starting to rec- cy been clearer - or more jarring - than his Softer tone tives have called it a hub of crony capitalism. ognize that trade is part of America’s enor- reversal on China’s handling of its currency. In similar fashion, Trump had vowed to But Trump told the Journal that he’d mously complicated relationship with the rest On the campaign trail, Trump told voters that force Mexico and Canada to rewrite NAFTA to learned that the Export-Import Bank serves of the world. Posen says he is reminded of on his first day in the White House, he would better protect American workers - and to small businesses and helps US firms compete some advice the fictional President Josiah label China a currency manipulator, a public abandon the 23-year-old deal if he didn’t get with foreign companies that receive help from “Jed” Bartlet offered on chess and geopolitics shaming that could trigger trade sanctions. what he wanted. Yet when a draft of his their governments. Trump also noted that the on television’s “The West Wing”: “Look at the Not since 1994 has the United States desig- administration’s plan for NAFTA leaked last bank “actually makes money” for taxpayers. whole board.”— AP BUSINESS SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2017 Netflix scorecard to test mettle of tech rally WALL ST WEEK AHEAD

SAN FRANCISCO: The longevity of the tech- Netflix, which reports after the bell on driven by ambitious expectations for earn- poured $122 million into the US-listed nology stocks rally is on the line next week as Monday. The video streaming pioneer is ings. Tech profits are seen climbing 14.7 per- Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund, bring- Netflix Inc kicks off the earnings season for a expected by analysts to quintuple its earn- cent for the first quarter, according to ing total flows into the fund this year to $1.4 sector that has mushroomed to account for ings per share. But with its stock surging 43 Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S. That would account billion, according to ETF.com, which tracks more than a fifth of the US stock market’s percent in the past six months and now trad- for nearly a third of the 10.4 percent earnings fund flows. value. Surges in Apple, Facebook and other ing at 109 times expected earnings, Netflix’s growth predicted across the S&P 500. “It’s Inside the tech rally, chip makers have Silicon Valley heavyweights have pushed the valuation is based more on sentiment than great for everybody to feel good, but if been notable outperformers, with the S&P 500 technology index 10 percent higher on fundamentals, many investors believe. nobody is buying stuff and the companies Philadelphia Semiconductor index up 40 per- this year, more than double the broader S&P “The market’s reaction to whatever the are reporting disappointing sales and that cent in the past year. Semiconductor compa- 500 index’s 4 percent gain. The tech sector’s news is from Netflix will be telling,” said affects their margins, then you’ll be starting nies are expected to boost EPS by 46 percent aggregate value now tops $4.4 trillion, 30 Stephen Massocca, Senior Vice President at to say - wait a second,” said Thomas Martin, a in the first quarter, helped by the growing percent higher than No. 2 financials, and Wedbush Securities in San Francisco. “If the portfolio manager at GLOBALT Investments. use of chips in cars and mobile gadgets. One even rivals the size of the Federal Reserve’s slightest little negative leads to a 15-point Along with the S&P 500, tech shares have of the biggest - Qualcomm Inc - reports on massive balance sheet. decline, that tells you things are elevated flatlined for weeks as Wall Street reassesses Wednesday. While shares of the mobile chip- The next test for these companies is and the market is only going to reward the whether President Donald Trump will be maker have been bogged down by a legal whether their profit growth is sufficient to most excellent of news.” able to push corporate tax cuts through battle with Apple, its sales are seen rising by justify their outsized share price gains. Enter Momentum in many tech stocks has been Congress. Still, so far in April investors have 6 percent and EPS by 14 percent. — Reuters US inflation, retail Bribe department: How Odebrecht sales dip in March organized graft SAO PAULO: A secret communications system was Consumer prices fall 0.3% used to discuss and arrange the payments of bribes. A detailed spreadsheet mapped out who got what, all WASHINGTON: US retail sales fell for a veiled under a system of codenames. And overseeing it second straight month in March and all, there was an entire department at the Brazilian con- consumer prices dropped for the first struction giant Odebrecht whose only purpose was to time in just over a year, supporting ensure the graft ran smoothly. Though deals were often views that the economy lost significant sealed over dinners and coffees, there was nothing momentum in the first quarter. But with casual about the massive corruption scheme that the labor market near full employment, Brazilian prosecutors are investigating involving bribes the decline in sales and consumer prices and kickbacks paid to hundreds of politicians in reported by the government yesterday exchange for state contracts, beneficial legislation and is likely temporary and probably does other favors. not change expectations that the The Supreme Court opened investigations into Federal Reserve will raise interest rates about 100 politicians this week, based on testimony again in June. provided by current and former executives at “For the Fed, the underlying momen- Odebrecht. Their testimony describes how bribery tum is more important in terms of poli- and kickbacks were simply part of doing business. cy decisions, and that looks to be “There was a rule: Either we don’t contribute to any- strong, supported by a tightening labor one, or we contribute to everyone,” explained Emilio market, rising incomes and high con- Odebrecht, chairman of the board, referring to pay- sumer confidence,” said Gregory Daco, ments to politicians. head of US macroeconomics at Oxford Odebrecht appears to have opted for the latter. Economics in New York. The Commerce Court documents released this week and prosecutors’ Department said retail sales dropped statements offer a peek into the highly organized way 0.2 percent last month after a 0.3 per- PITTSBURGH: This Feb 8, 2017 photo shows the sale price for a pair of men’s the company managed millions of dollars in bribes. cent decrease in February, which was boots at a J C Penney store. — AP The scheme was overseen by the blandly named the first and biggest decline in nearly a quarter. With job growth averaging Amazon.com. That has forced retailers Division of Structured Operations, which investigators year. Compared to March last year 178,000 per month in the first quarter, like J C Penney Co Inc, Abercrombie & refer to as simply “the bribe department.” It had its retail sales increased 5.2 percent. the anticipated slowdown in GDP likely Fitch and Macy’s Inc to scale back on own hierarchy and its own accountants. It also used its Economists polled by Reuters had understates the health of the economy. brick-and-mortar operations. own off-the-books communications system, called forecast retail sales slipping 0.1 percent In addition, first-quarter GDP tends to be The dollar was little moved by the Drousys, to communicate about the bribes both inter- last month. Excluding automobiles, weaker because of calculation problems data. US stocks and Treasuries markets nally and externally. gasoline, building materials and food that the government has acknowledged are closed for the Good Friday holiday. The payments were detailed in spreadsheets, held in services, retail sales rebounded 0.5 per- and is working to resolve. Retail sales In a separate report, the Labor the Drousys system, according to testimony and the cent after falling 0.2 percent in February. last month were dragged down by Department said its Consumer Price judge’s decision released this week. On those spread- These so-called core retail sales corre- receipts at auto dealerships, which fell Index dropped 0.3 percent in March, the sheets, politicians who received bribes and the inter- spond most closely with the consumer 1.2 percent, decreasing for a third first decline since February 2016, as mediaries who delivered them were referred to by nick- spending component of gross domestic straight month. Sales at service stations declining costs for gasoline and mobile names. The man who is now President Michel Temer’s product. Despite last month’s increase dropped 1.0 percent, reflecting lower phone services offset rising rents and chief of staff, Eliseu Padilha, was called “cousin”. Former in core retail sales, consumer spending gasoline prices. There were also decreas- food prices. The CPI nudging up 0.1 per- Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Paes was “little nervous likely braked sharply in the first quarter es in sales at building material stores, cent in February. In the 12 months one”. Others were “decrepit”, “Viagra”, “little boy of the after growing at a brisk 3.5 percent likely as bad weather halted work at through March, the CPI rose 2.4 per- forest” and “Dracula”. One congressman even protested annualized rate in the final three construction sites. cent, slowing from February’s 2.7 per- on his Facebook page when his nickname - “totally months of 2016. cent increase. ugly” - was reported in the Brazilian press last year. The apparent slowdown in consump- Pockets of Strength The so-called core CPI, which strips The employees at Odebrecht may have had some tion is partly blamed on the late dis- But there were some areas of out food and energy costs, fell 0.1 per- fun with the nicknames, but their revelations so far bursement of income tax refunds by the strength. Sales at electronics and appli- cent, the first and largest decrease since show that they took corruption very seriously. government as it sought to combat ances stores recorded their biggest rise January 2010, after rising 0.2 percent in Prosecutors are investigating the testimony and decid- fraud. The Atlanta Fed is forecasting since June 2015 and receipts at clothing February. As a result, the year-on-year ing whether to bring charges. The politicians have GDP rising at a 0.6 percent rate in the stores increased by the most in a year. increase slowed to 2.0 percent. That was denied wrongdoing, with many saying the funds they first quarter. This would be the weakest Retailers have been hurt by declining the smallest advance since November received from Odebrecht were legal campaign contri- 2015 and followed a 2.2 percent performance in three years and follows mall traffic and increased competition butions. — AP a 2.1 percent growth pace in the fourth from online retailers, led by increase in February. — Reuters BUSINESS SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2017 Ukraine’s anti-graft fight targets telecoms

KIEV: One of Ukraine’s richest men vowed ing that Yanukovych’s government gave over telephone land lines and was an early point to the problem as one of the biggest yesterday to defend his ownership of a major Ukrtelecom for a nominal sum to a shell com- pioneer in cell phone services prior to its pri- stumbling blocks on the post-Soviet coun- telecoms company after its shares were pany based in Cyprus that was purchased by vatization. Ukraine’s February 2014 pro-EU try’s path toward a Western-style economy impounded by a court following a probe into Akhmetov in October 2013. Akhmetov’s main revolution left Akhmetov and other oli- that sees sustainable growth. Ukraine drew graft under the deposed Russian-backed holding company said in a statement to garchs who critics say grew fabulously praise in December 2016 for taking over the regime. Prosecutor General Yuriy Lutsenko Interfax-Ukraine that it would defend its wealthy thanks to close government con- country’s largest private bank PrivatBank announced Thursday that a Kiev court had interests in Ukrtelecom and demand an nections on the back foot. Akhmetov soon from another influential tycoon named Igor “frozen” the shares of tycoon Rinat Akhmetov “objective and independent investigation” of turned into an early target of an anti-graft Kolomoyskiy. The central bank later reported in the Ukrtelecom company and its sub- the case. The billionaire has played a domi- campaign launched by post-revolt President that 97 percent of the bank’s corporate loans sidiary TriMob. The decision was issued after nant role in Ukrainian politics for more than a Petro Poroshenko. He defended his interests went to Kolomoyskiy and another sharehold- a nearly two-year investigation into decade and twice served in parliament as a furiously and the initial vigor of Ukraine’s er. It added that the deposits of half of Ukrtelecom’s privatisation under ousted member of Yanukovych’s now-disbanded drive to clean up business and politics Ukraine’s population of about 40 million president Viktor Yanukovych in March 2011. Party of Regions. slowed down. would have been jeopardized had PrivatBank Ukrainian media quoted Lutsenko as say- Ukrtelecom held an effective monopoly But world lenders to Ukraine consistently gone under. — AFP

Maine gov: Printed legal notices prop Trump and Yellen may not up dying industry be an odd couple after all AUGUSTA, Maine: Maine’s Republican governor said that laws requiring legal notices to be published in newspapers props up a President does not rule out reappointment “dying, antiquated industry,” in the latest chapter of his antipathy toward the press. WASHINGTON: At first glance, US President Gov Paul LePage is no fan of Maine newspa- Donald Trump and Federal Reserve chair pers and has said journalists use words to Janet Yellen may have little in common. destroy people and make his remarks seem Yellen is an academic economist and veteran racist. The governor who once apologized of Democratic administrations who is com- for remarking to a boy that he’d like to mitted to an open global economy, while shoot his Bangor Daily News cartoonist Trump is a real estate mogul with an elec- father has most recently called for govern- toral base suspicious of the economic order mental oversight of newspapers and retreat- Yellen helped to create. Yet the two may ed to interviews on talk radio shows and have interests in common now that Trump is conservative websites. president and both want to get as many Legislators on Thursday overrode Americans working as possible. LePage’s veto of a bill that requires the con- Since her appointment as Fed chair in tinued posting of newspaper legal notices February 2014, Yellen has kept interest rates on a publicly accessible website. The low and she currently pledges to raise them Democratic-controlled House overrode the only slowly even though unemployment, at veto with a 121-22 vote, while the 4.5 percent, is at its lowest in nearly ten Republican-controlled Senate voted 32-0. years. Meanwhile, Trump’s election cam- The bill, which has now become law, does paign promises to cut taxes, spend money not address existing requirements that legal on infrastructure and deregulate banking, notices be printed in newspapers. have helped propel a surge in the US But the governor says he couldn’t sup- Conference Board’s consumer confidence port the bill because lawmakers must index to its highest level since the internet explore eliminating such a “mandate,” stocks crash 16 years ago. which he calls a “taxpayer subsidy of the Former Fed staff and colleagues who worst sort”. “It serves to blur the line know Yellen said Trump’s surprising remarks between a free press and one dependent on this week in a Wall Street Journal interview, the state for revenue,” he said. In New in which he did not rule out Yellen’s reap- WASHINGTON: Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen speaks at the National Community Jersey, Republican Gov. Chris Christie said pointment to a new four year term next year, Reinvestment Coalition annual conference on March 28, 2017. — AP he’ll make such a change a priority this year. are not as outlandish as they may appear normal monetary policy, Yellen has stopped In a particularly biting moment last year, Christie said the change would save taxpay- now that the president has a vested interest the purchase of additional financial securities in a campaign video advertisement, he ers and residents $80 million, but the state’s in keeping markets and the economy on an by the Fed and in December 2015 began labelled her as among the “global special newspapers have disputed that math. even keel. And the same staff and colleagues raising short term interest rates for the first interests” who had ruined life for middle Lobbying efforts from publishers have say Yellen may well accept reappointment, time in 10 years. America. The Fed on Thursday said it had no stopped similar efforts in other states. despite Trump’s criticism of her during last So far those policy shifts have been engi- response to Trump’s comments published LePage also said the Legislature should year’s election campaign. neered with little apparent impact on job on Wednesday on Yellen and or on whether explore maintaining adequate notice to the Many in Trump’s Republican party have growth, and so mesh with Trump’s core elec- Yellen would consider a second term. public through online notices, and said it’s called for tighter monetary policy and a less tion campaign promises to restore employ- good policy given the “ubiquity of the inter- activist Fed, but “the president would not ment and earnings. The slow rise in interest Much Could Still Go Wrong net in our modern life”. Right now, the really find that useful,” said former Fed vice rates in the past year has also happened Some of Trump’s advisers and some Maine Press Association operates an online chair Donald Kohn. If Trump fills three exist- while US stock prices have risen to record Republican lawmakers want a more conser- website that lets the public view newspaper ing Federal Reserve board vacancies with highs, though Trump has claimed the credit vative Fed in which the chair has less power legal notices from all the state’s approved people Yellen thinks she could work with, “it for himself. and would see a Yellen reappointment as yet daily and weekly newspapers. Democratic would be really difficult to turn down” a another step away from his promise to “drain Rep Roland Danny Martin, the bill’s sponsor, reappointment when her term as chair Precedent for Fed Chair to Stay on the swamp” of the Washington establish- said total traffic to the website last year expires in February 2018. “If she continues to There is precedent for Trump to stick with ment. There are also three current vacancies grew by nearly 9 percent over 2015. do well, he’d be nuts to ditch her for an a former president’s Fed chair appointment. on the Fed’s seven member Board of Gary Gagne of the Maine Daily unknown quantity,” said University of Paul Volcker, Alan Greenspan and Ben Governors, and unorthodox new members Newspaper Network testified in support of California, Berkeley, economics professor Bernanke, the three previous Fed chairs, could make it difficult for Yellen to manage the Maine bill in February and said that pub- Andrew Rose, a long-time colleague and co- served at least two four year terms and were policy or accept another four year term. lic notices serve as “one of the few regular author with Yellen of an oft-cited study of nominated by both Democratic and But if the choice is her consensus style or and official communication channels that labor markets. Republican presidents. However it may be a someone unproven in their ability to manage exist between levels of government and citi- Yellen took over from Ben Bernanke as more difficult step for Trump. During last public and market expectations, “he’d be zens”. “Newspapers, in print and online, act Fed chair in February 2014 with the US eco- year’s election campaign, Trump accused wise to reappoint her,” said Joseph Gagnon, as an independent third party to publish, nomic recovery from the 2008 financial crisis Yellen of accepting orders from then a former Fed staffer and Berkeley colleague post, and archive public notice information still on shaky ground, and she has made no President Obama to keep interest rates low of Yellen’s currently at the Peterson Institute so that it is available to the largest audience secret she puts a priority on growth in jobs for political reasons, and he said he would for International Economics. “I don’t see what of citizens possible,” he said. — AP and wages and a broad recovery in US replace her as Fed chair because she is not a is in his interests to appoint someone who is household wealth. In a slow return to more Republican party member. going to jack up interest rates.” — Reuters BUSINESS SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2017

US crackdown heats up for border crossers, techies WASHINGTON: Encouraged by a sharp spersed with stretches of technology-depen- immigration policy at the Center for dence. California Chief Justice Tani Cantil- downturn in illegal border crossers, the US dent surveillance. “For those that continue to American Progress think tank, says there is a Sakauye protested in a letter to Sessions and administration is ramping up a crackdown seek improper and illegal entry into this coun- clear change in immigration enforcement. Kelly that such areas were supposed to be on undocumented immigrants, taking aim at try, be forewarned: This is a new era. This is Sessions this week ordered CBP and protected and accused ICE of “stalking” peo- both Central American laborers and Indian the Trump era,” Attorney General Jeff Sessions Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) ple who “pose no risk to public safety.” But tech workers in Silicon Valley. Police, prose- told border patrol agents on Tuesday. to detain anyone who crosses the US-Mexico the two officials said the arrests will contin- cutors and judges have been ordered to take border without legal documents and present ue, criticizing any policies that offer sanctu- a harder line against all illegal immigrants, Border-crossers down them to a judge. In the past, most were just ary to illegal aliens. detaining anyone without papers and vigor- Trump came into office promising to delivered back over the border. He also ously prosecuting more of them. Hiring stan- expel the estimated 11 million people living ordered prosecutors to lodge felony charges Legal immigration also pressured dards for immigration agents are being in the United States illegally, who he says when someone is caught sneaking in for a With some Republicans in Congress call- eased to quickly beef up their ranks, more steal American jobs and fuel crime. Most are second time. Those who transport and har- ing for a 50 percent cut in legal immigration, facilities to hold detained immigrants are from Mexico, and many of them have been bor illegal immigrants risk jail, as does any- Trump has also ordered a tightening in that being built, and more judges are being here for decades, raising families, owning one caught using false papers, common area. He ordered a temporary halt to refugee added to handle cases. homes and businesses. Three months into among illegal immigrants. “The lawlessness, arrivals and is fighting courts to implement a And officials have been directed to round the Trump administration, the number of the abdication of the duty to enforce our halt on arrivals from six mostly Muslim coun- up illegal immigrants, even those in the coun- illegal border-crossers has plunged to a four immigration laws and the catch-and-release tries. Visa applicants in many countries say try for decades, at places that used to be safe - decade low, according to the Customs and practices of old are over,” Sessions declared. they are facing longer waits. courthouses, town halls, and cities offering Border Protection agency (CBP). Secretary of Homeland Security John Sessions and Kelly warned technology them sanctuary. Meanwhile designs are Apprehensions of illegal border crossers in Kelly has authorized CBP and ICE agents to companies bringing in skilled workers under underway for construction of a wall along the March dropped to 16,600, down 30 percent go after illegal immigrants in places they the H-1B visa program that the government entire 2,000-mile US-Mexico border that from February and 64 percent from a year once felt safe. An increasing number have will take a tougher line with any company President Donald Trump promised. It won’t ago. It is too early to see any pickup in been rounded up in public offices applying abusing that program. Previous permissions be a full physical barrier all the way along, but deportations, which take longer to process. for licenses, reporting crimes, even meeting for H-1B workers’ spouses to also work could strategically erected wall sections inter- But Tom Jawetz, vice president in charge of immigration officials to legalize their resi- be eliminated. — AFP

Credit Suisse execs US business wary of skin-deep take bonus cuts of results from Trump-Xi talks 40% after outcry GENEVA: Credit Suisse’s chief and other top executives Some worry geopolitics could overshadow interests offered yesterday to have their bonuses slashed by 40 per- BEIJING: The 100-day trade talks cent, following investor concern over the size of their pro- announced after a Sino-American presi- posed compensation packages. Credit Suisse chief Tidjane dential summit last week will aim to deal Thiam and the bank’s executive board proposed that the with decades of thorny trade issues, leav- “long-term incentive awards for 2017 and short-term ing some US business leaders wary that incentive awards for 2016 ... be reduced by 40 percent the short timeline might yield superficial each,” according to a statement. results. Business executives are also wor- The board of directors would also leave its compensa- ried that President Donald Trump’s focus tion unchanged at the same level as 2015 and 2016, and would not accept a proposed incremental increase, it on curtailing North Korea’s nuclear and added. “My highest priority is to see through the turn- missile programs could undercut US around of Credit Suisse which is under way,” Thiam said in commercial interests in China. a letter to shareholders published yesterday. “I hope that Days after Trump’s meeting with this decision will alleviate some of the concerns expressed President Xi Jinping, Trump tweeted that by some shareholders and will allow the executive team to Beijing would get a better trade deal continue to focus on the task at hand,” he added. with Washington if it helped resolve the The move came after Credit Suisse’s compensation US problem with Pyongyang. The US committee last month proposed handing Thiam and the business community should not be used bank’s 12 other executive directors 26 million Swiss francs as a “bargaining chip”, said James ($26 million) in short-term bonuses for 2016 and up to 52 Zimmerman, a Beijing-based lawyer and PALM BEACH, Florida: In this April 6, 2017, file photo, US President Donald million francs in long-term bonuses. Ahead of its annual the former chairman of the American Trump shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping as he arrives before meeting on April 28, Switzerland’s second largest bank has Chamber of Commerce in China. dinner at Mar-a-Lago resort. — AP also asked investors to give chief executive Tidjane Thiam “Trump’s ‘far better trade deal’ linkage to governments and that there is commit- “Chinese chicken is also very competitive nearly 12 million francs in total for his first full year on the North Korea is amateurish, illogical horse ment to resolve the US beef access issue in the international market. We hope the job in 2016, after short and long-term bonuses were added trading, at best,” Zimmerman said. in an expedited fashion,” CEO of the US United States can quickly lift the ban on to his 3.7-million-franc salary. The compensation commit- The White House has said US and Meat Export Federation Philip Seng said. Chinese chicken imports. Only in this way tee had also proposed boosting compensation to the Chinese officials are still at the early Others remain sceptical. “Beef should can we better embody fair trade,” Li said. board of directors to 12.5 million Swiss francs this year. stages of “fleshing out” a pledge by have been done 10 years ago. The fact that Several investor advisory groups have voiced outrage Trump and Xi to develop the 100-day that has been going on for so long is Politically Fraught over the proposed bonuses, pointing to the bank’s $2.7-bil- plan to reduce the US trade deficit with emblematic of the imbalance in the way While individual companies are hesi- lion net loss in 2016 following a massive $5.28-billion set- China, which last year reached $347 bil- we negotiate and deal with each other,” tant to criticize China for fear of back- tlement with US authorities over its role in the sub-prime lion. It was among the limited set of said James McGregor, Chairman of APCO lash, critics from US business groups crisis. Ethos, which advises major Swiss pension funds and public outcomes from their first meeting Worldwide in Greater China. China has pur- accuse Beijing of unfairly subsidizing other tax-exempt institutions, described the proposed in Florida. While Trump has promised to chased hardly any American beef since it domestic firms and restricting foreign bonuses as “excessive”, insisting that Credit Suisse’s “exec- aggressively address trade imbalances conditionally lifted an import ban last year investment into much of the world’s utive management should not have received a bonus in and open the Chinese market to more that was imposed in 2003 due to a case of second-biggest economy. 2016 given the disappointing results of the bank”. American goods and services, William mad cow disease in Washington state. A 50-percent ownership cap for for- Amid market turbulence and legal woes, the bank’s Zarit, the Chamber’s current chairman, Despite initial media reports suggest- eign life insurers, for example, despite stock price plunged more than 30 percent last year. And as said the talks need to address the “struc- ing Xi may have offered access for US China’s 2001 World Trade Organization it dramatically reorganized its operations, it slashed 7,250 tural impediments” US companies face beef as a concession to stave off rising commitments to lift it, has helped limit jobs over the course of 2016, with nearly the same number in China. “We’d rather be talking than of jobs expected to go this year. In a separate letter to trade tensions, China’s Premier Li their market share to about 6 percent. having a trade war. But remember we’ve Keqiang this week appeared to link Beijing has repeatedly promised to open shareholders yesterday, chairman of the Credit Suisse been talking for 20 years and haven’t board Urs Rohner stressed the board’s “high degree of satis- progress on the issue to US restrictions up financial services more widely to forgotten very far,” Zarit said. on imports of some Chinese poultry eign firms, but has given few details on faction with the performance of the CEO and the Executive The White House has said that issues Board in 2016.” But he added that “in light of the current products for food safety reasons. “China implementation. Jacob Parker, vice pres- including opening up China’s financial environment and sentiment towards compensation, the is willing to import market-competitive ident of China operations at the US- services sector and getting US beef board of directors understands the decision made by the US beef that meets quality and health China Business Council, said concerns CEO and the executive team ... (and) accepts these volun- exports into China were up for talks. “We standards,” Li told a US Congressional persist that China would make commit- tary and personal decisions with great respect.” — AFP are pleased to hear the issue has been delegation in Beijing on Monday, accord- ments but not follow through or take elevated to the highest levels of both ing to the state-run Beijing News. only incremental steps. — Reuters BUSINESS SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2017

Brittle economy risk for Erdogan ahead of poll ANKARA: At rallies ahead of Sunday’s A Turkish economist who spoke to this year, climbing 15.3 percent since Yesilada warned that “all our indicators referendum on expanding his powers, AFP on condition of anonymity said the January and reached two-month highs show that EU companies are becoming Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan weak economy was “already hurting” on Tuesday. In 2016, a year marked by extremely cold towards Turkey”. is fond of reciting the economic achieve- Erdogan and the ‘Yes’ campaign. The the failed July 15 coup, the Turkish econ- ments of his one-and-a-half decades in economist said “winning this referendum omy grew by a robust 2.9 percent, beat- ‘Reform appetite on the wane’ power. High growth rates of up to nine should have been very easy” for the AKP ing analysts’ expectations. The presence A victory for the ‘Yes’ vote would give a percent, a stream of foreign investment, given that in November 2015 parliamen- of almost three million Syrian refugees brief boost to the markets, with investors ambitious infrastructure projects and tary polls it and its allies in the Nationalist and aggressive measures by the govern- reassured by at least an appearance of sta- precious stability that followed the near Movement Party (MHP) won a combined ment to raise consumption have also bility. “If there is a ‘Yes’ outcome I think financial meltdown of its 2000-01 crisis. 62 percent of the vote. “That the polls are helped provide a boost. there would be a brief rally. In case of a “We did this,” the president says proudly. still extremely tight shows - at least to However growth is already much low- ‘No’ there will be a sharp sell-off in particu- But the country’s referendum on some extent - the impact the weak econ- er than the rates seen before 2011 and lar on the stock exchange,” said Yesilada. whether to agree a presidential system is omy has,” the economist added. clouded by uncertainty over a complex But a ‘Yes’ vote would do nothing to dis- taking place against the background of restatement of the GDP statistics that has miss concerns over the government’s will- the first sustained signs of weakness in Tourism under strain bewildered some observers. The govern- ingness to embrace economic reforms to the Turkish economy. What has so far Last month inflation hit 11.3 percent - ment has blamed the weak economy on tackle a litany of looming problems. proved a pillar of strength for Erdogan a level unmatched since Oct 2008 - while investors’ ‘wait-and-see’ attitude ahead of These include Turkey’s gaping cur- and the ruling Justice and Development unemployment was 10.9 percent in the vote and reassured citizens that rent account deficit, chronically low sav- Party (AKP) could prove to be an Achilles 2016. Youth unemployment was even growth will improve. The tourism indus- ings rates, widespread informal work heel, economists say. Atilla Yesilada, worse at 19.6 percent. The Turkish lira try, with revenues that account for almost and, in the long term, the education sys- Turkey specialist at Global Source has lost nearly four percent of its value five percent of Turkey’s GDP, has come tem. The Turkish economist said a “Yes’ Partners, said the weakness had added against the US dollar since the start of under heavy strain with many visitors vote would “exacerbate” the problems to uncertainty among some of the AKP’s the year, the worst performing emerging staying away. that Turkey faces over the medium and traditional electorate. “AKP’s base is markets currency so far. Yet the Turkish After bitter tensions with the long term. Only one proven economic Islamist and conservative, but they are economy is still showing signs of the European Union in the referendum cam- reformer - Deputy Prime Minister also small business owners” and current resilience that became its trademark paign and doubts over the future of Mehmet Simsek - is still in the govern- economic policy is “not good for busi- over past years. Turkey’s EU bid, there is also concern over ment and his position has long been in ness”, the analyst told AFP. The Istanbul stock market has rallied the future of European investment. question. — AFP News Japan’s frugal households in brief no respite for BOJ, retailers Dubai Al-Habtoor Group to build 350-m tower in Albania TIRANA: Albania’s parliament has given its approval for nego- Top retailers cut prices to attract shoppers tiations with a Dubai company to build a 350-m-tall tower in the capital, Tirana. The parliament’s vote Thursday didn’t TOKYO: Naruhito Nogami, a 37-year-old make it clear when the government would start negotiations systems engineer in Tokyo, drives to dis- with Al-Habtoor Investment LLC, on the $250-million Tirana count stores on weekends to bulk buy Iconic Tower project. As currently envisioned, the 25,000-sq-m cheap groceries, even though he earns tower would occupy an extension of the capital’s main boule- enough to make ends meet and the vard and house businesses and possibly Tirana City Hall. The prospects for Japan’s economic recovery builders would be exempt from tax payments for 15 years as are brighter. “I do have money, but I’m an incentive. Al-Habtoor Investment is a subsidiary of a sub- frugal anyway. Everyone is like that. sidiary of the Al-Habtoor Group, a conglomerate with interests That’s just the way it is,” he says. in the hospitality, automotive, real estate, education and pub- Kazuko Sato, a 50-year-old animation lishing sectors. artist, also frequents discount chain Daiso, where most items ranging from groceries and bath towels to kitchen- McDonald’s CEO received ware sell for just 100 yen ($0.91). “I look compensation worth $15.4m for things here first, and if they aren’t NEW YORK: McDonald’s CEO Steve Easterbrook received here then I go to the supermarket,” she compensation of $15.4 million last year as he worked to says, cradling a basket in the stationery refresh the company’s image and cut costs amid growing aisle. “My job and salary are unstable so I competition and changing tastes. Easterbrook’s pay pack- need to be careful about my spending.” age included a salary of $1.3 million, stock and options People like them have prompted worth $9 million, and incentive pay of $4.6 million. He also some companies to embark on sweep- TOKYO: People stand in front of an electronic stock board of a securities firm got perks such as contributions to a retirement plan and a ing price cuts, showing how tough it will showing Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 that fell 65.24 points to 18,361.60 yesterday. — AP car allowance. Easterbrook became chief executive in be to eradicate Japan’s deflationary struggling to explain why inflation and month’s rate review than it did last March 2015. For that year, his pay package was $7.9 mil- malaise despite the improving econo- wages remain so low even as Japan’s month, people familiar with the matter lion. McDonald’s Corp has announced a series of changes my. It also highlights a new paradox fac- economy enjoys its third-longest recov- said. The benefits of the recovery have under Easterbrook, including the rollout of an all-day ing the Bank of Japan: A disparity ery since World War Two. “It’s a new yet to reach households, though, breakfast menu in the US and plans to use fresh beef pat- between solid growth and stubbornly conundrum for us,” one official said. “It despite four years of heavy money ties in Quarter Pounders. Customer visits to established US weak inflation. Top retailer Aeon Co is just shows how sticky Japan’s deflation- printing by the central bank and fiscal locations fell last year, though people on average spent cutting prices for over 250 grocery items ary mindset is.” spending packages. Real wages have more per visit. this month to lure cost-savvy shoppers, been largely flat despite job losses hit- and Seiyu, operated by Wal-Mart Stores, Demographics Drag ting a 22-year low, as firms remain wary cut prices on more than 200 products Japan’s economy has sustained a of raising wages. Hands-off police approach from February. modest recovery cycle that kicked off Core consumer inflation remained for overbooked flights “It’s unthinkable for us to raise prices when Prime Minister Shinzo Abe took stuck at 0.2 percent in February, well NEWARK: Police at airports in the New York City metropoli- at this stage,” Fast Retailing Co CEO power in late 2012 and launched his below the BOJ’s ambitious 2 percent tan area are taking a hands-off approach when it comes to Tadashi Yanai said after the owner of “Abenomics” package of aggressive target, as companies hold back on price removing passengers from overbooked flights. Port clothing brand Uniqlo reported flat rev- monetary, fiscal stimulus measures and rises for fear of scaring away cost-sensi- Authority of New York and New Jersey Police enue on Thursday. To be sure, many structural reforms. A recent rebound in tive households. Japan’s demographics Superintendent Michael Fedorko on Thursday issued a new retailers say they are protecting their overseas demand has helped boost are a key factor working against con- policy after a passenger was dragged from an oversold bottom line by offering not just dis- exports and output, pushing up busi- sumption. Nearly 30 percent of the pop- United Airlines flight Sunday evening at Chicago’s O’Hare counts but high-end products. “It’s not ness confidence to its highest in a year ulation will be aged 65 or above in International Airport. The policy says officers will not assist in just prices consumers are looking at. and a half, with companies upbeat on 2020, according to a government esti- the physical removal of passengers to accommodate the air- They are just being selective,” said their spending plans. mate. Living off pensions, elderly line’s request. Officers are to examine each instance on a Takaharu Iwasaki, president of super- Encouraged by recent positive data, households are unaffected by any wage case-by-case basis. The police department oversees market chain operator Life Corp. the BOJ is expected to offer a more hikes and tend to withhold spending, Kennedy, LaGuardia and Newark airports. But central bank policymakers are upbeat view of the economy at this analysts say. —Reuters BUSINESS SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2017

Strong US dollar a threat to Trump campaign pledges

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump takes credit for revitalizing the US economy even though he has not yet been in office for 100 days. But the new president’s boasts of breathing life into the world’s biggest markets may come with an unwelcome corollary: A rising dollar and the Trump campaign promises it threatens. Trump acknowledged as much this week in a Wall Street Journal interview. “I think our dollar is getting too strong and par- tially that’s my fault because people have confidence in me,” he said. “That will hurt ultimately.” Since his shock rise to the White House, major indicators have continued to portray an economy in increasingly good health. Consumer sentiment and Wall Street have both hit successive records, boosted by Trump’s promises of tax cuts, infrastructure spending and slashed regulation. As a result, investors have pumped cash into American equities markets, driving up a dollar which had already been on the rise. It is up more than six percent against a basket of six major currencies in the last year. “The dollar is high because the US economy is a stronger performer right now than any other advanced economy,” BANGKOK: In this April 7, 2017 photo, people eat noodles at a street food shop during lunch on Thonglor road. — AP said Barry Bosworth, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution.

Bangkok sidewalks get less Contradicting a core message Trump cannot claim credit for all of this. By hiking its benchmark interest rates twice since December, the spicy as food carts removed Federal Reserve has also bolstered the dollar by tightening the flow of credit and enticing investors with the prospect of higher returns. To be sure, a strong dollar is Poor bear brunt of junta-backed campaigns not all bad: It lowers import prices while also supporting access to lower-cost credit by supporting the inbound BANGKOK: Efforts by authorities in military-ruled Thailand to Suchin Wannasutr has been selling khao kha moo - stewed flow of cash. impose order on the chaotic capital city have a fresh target: pork leg - for 40 baht ($1.15) a plate on Thonglor’s sidewalks On the other hand, it hurts American exports and cheap and tasty pad thai. The latest crackdown by Bangkok for more than 20 years. The 47-year-old said he has been dili- directly threatens Trump’s campaign pledge to correct city officials is going after the vendors whose carts sell every- gent about keeping up his monthly payoffs of 1,000 baht the US trade deficit, particularly in the manufacturing sec- thing from Thailand’s signature noodles to spicy tom yum ($28.60), which is the same sum neighboring vendors say they tor, which has withered from Chinese and Mexican com- goong soup have become institutions on the capital’s hot and have been charged. He is now preparing to open a real restau- petition. “There’s a contradiction that goes back to one of humid sidewalks. The stalls with their metal folding tables and rant, about 1.5 km away from his sidewalk spot. He will share the core messages of his campaign,” said Nathan Sheets, rickety plastic stools serve as a gastronomic go-to for budget- the rent of 35,000 baht ($1,000) a month with three fellow who served as undersecretary for international affairs at conscious locals and adventurous tourists alike. street vendors. “I have to stay in the area because I have regu- the US Treasury under former president Barack Obama. “Street food is a big part of daily life,” said Nont Nontiskul, lar customers here,” Suchin said. “I’m doing whatever I can just Eswar Prasad, a professor at Cornell University, said 29, a stockbroker who has lived in the city’s trendy Thonglor to send my kid through school. Once she graduates, I will Trump was acknowledging he had arrived at a certain area for more than a decade. “Even people who eat at pricy move out of Bangkok. It’s tough here.” impasse. “Mr Trump seems to recognize the economic reali- restaurants every day can’t avoid street food. It’s faster, tastes Critics say the government needs to do more to help ven- ty that a stronger dollar will make it harder to achieve some better, and costs less than half the price.” dors and to help preserve some the unique chaos that gives of his policy objectives,” he said. Since the mid-1990s, the Officials see street food as an illegal nuisance and have Bangkok its soul, which is rapidly being lost to government United States has consistently defended a strong dollar pol- warned hawkers in Thonglor to clear out by Monday. They’ve regulations and redevelopment for condos, shopping malls icy, saying it stood for a robust, attractive economy. said the evictions soon will expand to other neighborhoods. and office towers. If the campaign against street food sticks, But with one eye on the colossal US trade deficit, Officials have been emboldened by the military junta that has tourists will no longer stumble upon fried worms, grilled pork Trump sees things a little differently. “Look, there are ruled the country since a 2014 coup and has stressed the need intestines or the legendarily smelly fruit durian. And it’s unlike- some very good things about a strong dollar, but usually to clean up Thai society, whether it is corrupt politicians or ly the hip bars and fancy restaurants will be handing out food speaking the best thing about it is that it sounds good,” crowded footpaths. in plastic bags sealed tight with a knotted rubber band. he told The Journal. Still, Trump has only narrow room to That has led to sometimes ham-fisted crackdowns on “I feel like I am losing my job and I have no idea what to do maneuver. His remarks on the dollar sparked a selloff everything from street markets to beach umbrellas to over- next,” said 39-year old Ubolwattana Mingkwan, who sells cof- against the euro but such a strategy is unsustainable. priced lottery tickets. Observers say the poor, many of whom fee for 30 baht (85 cents) a cup. “I can’t afford to pay “Comments by presidents and finance ministers about were supporters of the ousted government and its populist Thonglor’s rent prices.” “I’ve asked city officials for help and exchange rate have a very short life expectancy,” said policies, have borne the brunt of many of the junta-backed understanding,” she said. “All they say now is ‘No, no, no.’ Bosworth of Brookings. — AFP campaigns and that the clean sidewalk effort will hit the ven- They said they’ve already received their orders.” — AP dors and their working-class customers hardest. Thai crackdowns on corruption, prostitution, pollution, road safety and what-have-you - even those by the junta - are notoriously ephemeral, but officials are talking tough. ABK announces winners of 50th weekly draws Boontham Huiprasert, a Bangkok district chief tasked with clearing out the sidewalks under his jurisdiction, said street KUWAIT: Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK) held its 50th ‘Double be announced. All winners will be contacted personally food vendors are being evicted to fight traffic congestion and Your Salary’ weekly draw on April 11, 2017 at the Bank’s and a weekly announcement will be made through the the accumulations of garbage. About 90 Thonglor vendors Head Office in the presence of a representative from the media with the winners’ names. and their carts will have to leave by Monday, after which the Ministry of Commerce, announcing the names of the win- crackdowns will expand to neighboring streets, Boontham ners for this week. The promotion includes weekly draws, said. Violators could be fined up to 2,000 baht ($57). “Just with two winners per draw. The campaign will run until don’t sell on the sidewalks,” Boontham said. “People who sell June 27, 2017. stuff on the sidewalks, they don’t pay rent. There are so many The winners of this week were: out there now, so we have to organize society.” 1) Yousef Ali Hasan Al-Qedheeb, Salmiya Branch 2) Jassim Ahmad Jassim Al-Shatti, Salmiya Branch Payoffs New customers who transfer their salary to ABK receive In fact, the food sellers say they do pay rent in the form of KD 100 and will automatically be entered into the weekly small monthly under-the-table payments to city officials. It’s draws to double their salaries. Existing customers who are an open secret that Bangkok’s sprawling shadow economy is already transferring their salary to ABK are entered into a made possible by payoffs to powerful figures, often with ties separate draw. The next ‘Double Your Salary’ draw will be to police or the military. Boontham said he was unaware of held on 18th April, 2017 where two new lucky winners will any payoffs and that it was not official practice. www.kuwaittimes.net

SATURDAY, APRIL 15 , 2017

Robbie the Meerkat guards an Easter treat of eggs filled with vegetables, at London Zoo, Thursday, April 13, 2017. — AP

SEE PAGE 25 SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2017

Archbishop Joseph Jules Zerey of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church blesses foreign students of the Bethlehem Icon Center as they present the works executed during their course, in the biblical West Bank city of Bethlehem. Ancient sacred art resurrected in city of Jesus birth

own a Bethlehem alleyway, sunlight illuminates a gold- recite prayers, their nearly finished icons in hand. Archbishop en icon of the Virgin Mary and Jesus, signaling the Joseph Jules Zerey of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church, Drevival of an ancient art being practiced in the work- which sponsors the iconography center, blesses each one, shop inside. The building near the Church of the Nativity-the holding an olive branch with holy oil. site where Christians believe Jesus was born-houses a group of enthusiasts specializing in the sacred art of iconography. 'A beautiful synthesis' They are doing so some 2,000 years after Christian iconogra- Each icon is unique and produced to order. Animal-hair phy began in nearby Jerusalem-also where Christians believe brushes are selected in Jerusalem or even London, and the Jesus was resurrected after his crucifixion, to be commemorat- pigments come directly from the Holy Land. Hand-ground ed tomorrow for Easter. They work in both silence and in stones for yellow are from Jericho and roses used to paint prayer, with their art a far cry from the cheap mass-produced faces are from Jerusalem, Juha said in the small woodwork- Foreign students of the Bethlehem Icon Center work on their icons sold in souvenir shops to tourists and pilgrims. ing shop where panels for the icons are carved. Rose painting during their course, in the biblical West Bank city of "Icons are not commercial objects for us, but holy images Codneler, who has used a holiday from her work at a women's Bethlehem. — AFP photos that we honor," said Nicola Juha, who heads the Bethlehem shelter in Britain to spend Easter week in Bethlehem, said the Icon Centre. He explains that icons like theirs are used by wor- uniqueness of the icons appeals to her. shippers who, for example, light candles before them and For the 33-year-old Christian, spending days painstakingly pray. According to tradition, Luke the Evangelist painted the painting Christ's face is "a way of getting deeper into the char- first Christian icon in 60 AD. Ian Knowles, far from his native acters of the Bible and the story of the Bible". "Icons have Britain, now teaches the same art to not only Palestinian always fascinating me, and more and more so in the last few Christians, but also those from countries including Canada years, because they are a kind of beautiful synthesis of God, and Poland. Watching the meticulous brushstrokes of his stu- prayer and also ecology in the way that the pigments are all dents, he said he left home to spend two weeks in the region taken from nature," she said. Knowles's class is provided peri- and was still there nine years later. odically to visiting pilgrims for around $265 (250 euros) and all One of his pieces, "Our Lady of Palestine", depicts Mary year round to some 30 Palestinian Christians. Juha says the shedding a tear over symbols of the Holy Land-Jerusalem, center has succeeded in "reviving an old, long-forgotten Mount Carmel and Mount Nebo. In a nearby chapel with a Palestinian tradition in Bethlehem, which is so important both A painting depicting Jesus as “Christ Pantocrator” is seen in blue ceiling and a Nativity scene, around a dozen students in religious and geographic terms". the ceiling of the chapel of the Bethlehem Icon Center in the biblical West Bank city of Bethlehem. SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2017

Foreign students of the Bethlehem Icon Center present the works executed during their Archbishop Joseph Jules Zerey (right) of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church blesses foreign course to be blessed by an archbishop. students of the Bethlehem Icon Center.

'Iconography as a profession' devastated over the last 50 years." Knowles said that "cultural- Bethlehem is part of the West Bank, the Palestinian terri- ly, the Christian community is a bit on its own, so it seems to tory that has been occupied by Israel for 50 years and which me that it was an important thing that I could offer-to teach struggles with unemployment and poverty. Knowles points iconography as a profession rather just as a hobby". out that obtaining the best materials from Jerusalem is This year, 36 Palestinians have registered, paying fees of impossible for many Palestinians since they are barred from around 25 euros. A partnership has also been formed with The crossing over from the West Bank. Wearing a paint-stained Prince's School of Traditional Arts in London, allowing 10 apron, he says the center is also a way of serving the local Bethlehem students to earn a British diploma in iconography Christian communities. recognized worldwide. The center has already achieved one Christians have gone from 20 percent of the Palestinian particular point of pride: Knowles and three of his students population to slightly more than one percent over the course have produced two icons for Lichfield Cathedral in Britain and of 50 years. "I wanted to do something which could really help are to complete a third next summer. — AFP to rebuild the iconography as a proper tradition and a con- Foreign students of the Bethlehem Icon Center present the works stituent part of the Christian community here," he said. "I think executed during their course to be blessed by an archbishop. people know the Christian population in Bethlehem has been

Ian Knowles (center), British director of the Bethlehem Icon Center advises foreign students of the Bethlehem Icon Center. SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2017

In this Nov 24, 1986, file photo, creator of the “Muppets” File photo shows Kermit the Frog, left, and Miss Piggy In this Feb 6, 1984, file photo, Jim Henson with his "Muppets" Jim Henson poses for a photo with Kermit the Frog in Los arrive at the World Premiere of "Muppets Most Wanted," pose for a photo at Henson's 69th Street office in New York. Angeles, Calif. — AP photos in Los Angeles. Museum asks fans of Kermit, Elmo to help pay for exhibit

museum is asking fans of Jim Henson's Muppets to help other objects including costumes and props, all donated by naming rights to a puppet pedestal. Museum officials are hoping pay for an exhibition featuring original puppets of beloved Henson's family in 2013. Henson died in 1990. Museum staff to open the exhibit this summer. Besides the puppets, the exhibit Acharacters like Elmo, Miss Piggy and Kermit the Frog. The members are working to conserve the items along with Jim will feature rarely seen video footage and photographs going Museum of the Moving Image launched a Kickstarter campaign Henson's Creature Shop, which was founded by Henson in 1979 back to Henson's early work in television in the 1950s. A traveling on Tuesday seeking $40,000 to help preserve the puppets for pos- and carries on his work, and fine-arts conservators. exhibition using objects from the collection will open May 20 at terity. "Jim Henson's work has meant so much to so many people, Curator Barbara Miller said the museum has never turned to Seattle's Museum of Pop Culture. — AP myself included," actor Neil Patrick Harris says in a video on the crowdfunding before but it made sense for the Muppet exhibit Kickstarter page. "His humor and inventiveness have inspired "because the community of fans is so active." "This is one element people to find their own creative voices." of an effort to cross the finish line for fundraising," Miller said. The Queens museum owns hundreds of Henson puppets and Donors will get perks including T-shirts, artisanal chocolate and

View of the biggest mural in the world with 5,742 square meters, by Brazilian mural artist Eduardo Kobra, in Itapevi, metropolitan area of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Brazilian artist paints 'biggest' ever mural

any painters struggle to get their work viewed but made," he said. "The mural above all is trying to show something Brazilian street artist Eduardo Kobra won't have a prob- of the workers and pay homage to them." Art is a little different Mlem-his most recent work is billed as the biggest in the when a large building is your sketchbook. world. The prolific Kobra takes as his canvas the sides of the Kobra said he started off with as many as 10 different designs Cacau Show factory on one of the main highways into Sao Paulo, for the mural, all of them based on scenes from the Amazon's and not just one side but wrapping around the corners. Still not cocoa-rich regions. Once he settled on a design, he needed quite finished, it shows the top half of an indigenous tribesman in cranes to lift 12 platforms for his painting team who have joined a multicolored collage as he paddles through a great brown river him from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm over two months, with about two of chocolate. The work connects the chocolate products inside weeks left to go. Never mind brushes, palette and box of paints: the building to the traditions of far-off Amazonian cocoa farmers. they got through 4,000 spray cans and 300 gallons (1,080 liters) of Kobra already held the Guinness World Record for biggest spray enamel paint. Alexandre Costa, president of Cacau Show choco- paint mural in Rio de Janeiro and he says this one, at 61,354 late makers, said the work should remind people of what goes square feet (5,700 square meters) is even bigger. into every bar they unwrap. "I am really happy with the result of "People can pass by on the highway, even if they're going 100 this work. It honors the cocoa workers. People who eat chocolate kmh and they can still see what the message is on the wall," he don't know what's behind this-the land where it's harvested and told AFP. "The image shows one of the cocoa workers transport- so on."— AFP ing cocoa in his boat. I've also turned the river into a river formed Brazilian mural artist Eduardo Kobra poses in front of his entirely of chocolate," he said. "It's the biggest mural I've ever recent work “the biggest mural in the world”. SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2017

park in the Chinese capital, Beijing, has found a high-tech said Lei Zhenshan, a designer and sales executive for dispenser solution to stop people from using excessive amounts of maker Shoulian Technology. "If the paper was put in an uncon- Atoilet paper. The Temple of Heaven Park has equipped trolled device, then people will waste it endlessly," he told Beijing park goes high public washrooms with a paper dispenser that uses facial recog- Reuters Television. nition technology to record each user and then roll out a strip of This month, Chinese media reported that visitors to the about 70 cm of paper for one trip to the bathroom. park's washrooms were taking unnecessarily large amounts of The same user will have to wait for nine minutes before they toilet paper from dispensers. — Reuters tech to save toilet paper can get another strip of toilet paper. "This machine was actually designed in order to stop people from wasting toilet paper,"

Photo shows two Easter eggs decorated with designs cut from paper napkins. — AP photos Photo shows two Easter eggs made by covering Styrofoam forms with scraps of fabric. Instead of dyeing Easter eggs, try decoupage

hen it comes to Easter eggs, dipping them in dye is real eggs and decorative paper napkins. To try this method, fine, but for a more decorative and longer-lasting pierce holes into either end of the egg and blow out the con- Wresult, try decoupage. I tried three DIY techniques for tents. Cut around designs from a paper napkin - I chose a flo- adding colors and patterns to eggs using decoupage glue - Mod ral pattern - and separate the layers to work with just one lay- Podge is a popular brand. One technique paired vintage book er of tissue. Apply decoupage glue to the egg and adhere the pages with plastic eggs, another used printed napkins with real designs, and then cover the entire egg with a coat of glue. eggs, and the third involved fabric and Styrofoam. All three This technique was inexpensive, especially if you scramble up methods were fairly messy given the glue, but at least I didn't the egg's contents for breakfast, and produced very pretty, end up with fingers dyed blue from food coloring. And unlike elegant results. Real eggs are fragile, however - I cracked one hard-boiled dyed Easter eggs, these will last for years to come. open trying to enlarge one of the holes - so this method Here's what I found, with each method rated from 1 to 10, with wouldn't be the best to do with young children. 10 indicating the least expensive, easiest and best results: Fabric-styrofoam eggs Photo shows plastic Easter eggs covered with strips of paper Book pages-plastic eggs I found this technique on Crafts 'n Coffee, a blog created by torn from book pages, while designs cut from paper napkins This tutorial comes from a blog called "SewforSoul" and the company that makes Styrofoam brand foam craft prod- add a bit of color. was published in "Reloved" magazine. While it was the most ucts. The foam eggs I purchased were significantly more time-consuming technique I tried, it yielded the most impres- expensive than either the plastic or real eggs used in the other sive results. To make these eggs, small strips of plain paper are projects, and while I had scrap fabric on hand, purchasing the glued to plastic eggs to serve as a base layer that hides the fabric would have made this even more pricey. colored plastic. Once that layer has dried, the egg is buffed by For this project, fabric is cut into 1-inch wide strips and rubbing it with the back of a spoon to smooth out any rough then trimmed into triangle shapes. The eggs are covered with edges. The eggs are then covered with small strips of paper glue in sections, and the fabric is stuck on in a random, over- torn from an old book, overlapping the strips at random until lapping manner. A final coat of decoupage glue seals the the egg is completely covered. More drying and buffing, and edges. I found this method fairly fussy - bits of fabric kept then additional designs cut from paper napkins are glued to peeling off as I manipulated the eggs - and I had trouble the eggs. A wash of watered-down craft paint gives the eggs a smoothing them down. The finished result was a bit too distressed, antique look. The original version of this method bumpy and rustic-looking for my taste. On the plus side, using featured black-and-white images, but I used napkins featuring Styrofoam means the eggs can easily be pierced and strung colored illustrations of Peter Rabbit to brighten them up a bit. on baker's twine to make a garland. Because both the eggs I loved the pastel, shabby chic result. and the fabric are fairly sturdy compared to the paper used in the other methods, or the real eggs, this would be an easier Napkins-real eggs method for children to try. — AP Craft maven Martha Stewart's website features multiple techniques for decoupage eggs, including one that involves Photo shows a variety of decoupage Easter eggs. SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2017

A woman takes photo at a creation by Piuarch called “Flowerprint”, part of the Design Fair A man walks at the entrance of ‘Giro Giro Tondo design for children’ exhibition. exhibition in Milan, Italy. — AP photos Retro-modern is the design world's comfort food at Milan

'95 percent of people in Milano will buy retro furniture'

etro-modern is the design world's comfort food. As pop- Presidential opening ulism finds political traction, designers at the Milan Milan design week, which combines the Milan Furniture RFurniture Show looked to the past for inspiration, offering Show with collateral Fuori Salone events throughout the city, reassurance in the form of high-quality furnishings to help navi- is as much about ideas as about products, and the debate gate an uncertain present. "When you are scared, you want some- about which prevails is a constant. Italian President Sergio thing you know in life," said designer Philippe Starck, sitting on an Mattarella opened the weeklong preview of furniture and updated Caprice cafe stool and coordinated Passion table for lighting at the Rho fairgrounds, a first for the furniture fair rep- Cassina. "We cannot start from scratch. It is impossible. We cannot resenting an industry with more than 10 billion euros ($10.6 use the fantastic technology which is available because it is not billion) in exports last year. what people want. .... When this cycle will finish, we will explode. "It is a great sign for Italy," said Claudio Luti, the furniture We have drawers full of projects, boxes." show's president, saying it signaled the government's support Among the designer's other pieces this year were series of for the sector, which is comprised mostly of small- and medi- Versailles lamps for Floss and Baccarat and two new chairs in the um-size companies that often view each other as competitors. Generic line for Kartell. "Today, 95 percent of people in Milano will "We cannot so easily form a system, and this is symbolic that A man walks next to an armchair created by designer Mario think they are buying modern furniture, and they will buy retro we can work together when we travel around the world and Bellini for Cassina’s furniture designers. furniture," he told The Associated Press. Some highlights from the not just go it alone." seven days of events that will end tomorrow: Past revisited Architect and designer Mario Bellini was some 50 years too early, by his own admission, with his 932 chair for Cassina, comprised of four cushions held together with a belt. Now he's back with the MB, an updated version that includes a leather-and-textile mix, and betting on success. "This armchair was not lucky at the time, after which I believe I designed another 40 pieces of furniture for Cassina. But a few years ago we asked ourselves, why wouldn't we give justice to this innovation, and attempt to bring it back today in a world that has become a lot more sophisticated and a lot more capable to receive new messages," Bellini said.

Legacy battle Dipping back into the archives has its risks. Cassina and Molteni&C, both from the Brianza furniture district north of Milan, found themselves locked in a public relations and legal battle over rights to a classic chair designed by Italian architect Gio Ponti in the 1950s during this edition. Cassina showed the chair Cassina 811, which had been out of production since 1964, at its showroom in downtown Milan. But Molteni&C, which also previewed its version, claimed it had obtained the rights from Ponti's heirs, and has taken its competitor to court. nCassina said the 811 is not on sale yet, A woman takes a pic- and that it is "waiting to resolve the issues through legal chan- ture of a creation by nels in order to legitimately produce the armchair." It said the Melissaís furniture chair was "conceived, engineered and produced by Cassina ... designers. in cooperation with Gio Ponti." SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2017

A man takes pictures at an armchair, created by Poltrona Frau’s furniture designers.

A woman looks creations by Maarten Baas' furniture designers.

Racing dreams Idea exploration For the desk jockey with Formula 1 aspirations, Poltrona Frau Beyond the 200,000 square meters (2.1 million square feet) of and Ferrari have combined their artisanal and technological products by 2,000 brands at the Rho fairgrounds, designers, prowess to create the Cockpit office chair. The sleek seat is made entrepreneurs and industry players offered their visions, propos- of carbon fiber and alutex, materials usually reserved for high-end ing updated retail formats, advances to make technology fit more sports cars, and features a leather-clad seat ergonomically seamlessly into the home and ways to help spread green through inspired by a racing car cockpit. The fixtures to adjust the seat urban centers. position are even inspired by Ferrari's steering column controls. Japanese architect Oki Sato, founder and chief designer of "In a supercar like a Ferrari, the seat is the key element to con- Nendo, created a clock-making studio in collaboration with Swiss nect man to the car and to succeed in controlling the car in the watchmaker Panerai to examine our relationship with time. The most extreme situations," Flavio Manzoni, head of design at body of each analog clock was cut from a plastic tube in a thick- Ferrari, told AP. "We have transferred this knowhow both of ness to represent the hour at which it was made, and then crafts- ergonomics and the research of innovative materials, but also the people added the hour designators and timepieces in a ritual last- shape and the very refined, timeless aesthetics, to an office chair." ing 10 minutes. "We are living in a digital age," Sato said, "but I With a range of $11,000 for the Cockpit President and $10,000 think what is more important is that we need to feel the true val- for the smaller Cockpit Executive, the office chair series can be ue of time." seen as part of Ferrari CEO Sergio Marchionne's mission to trans- Woman stands next to chairs called ‘Mykin’ created by Haigoís form the sportscar-maker into a luxury goods brand beyond the Experiences furniture designers. auto-sphere. Elsewhere in the city, the Piuarch Architecture Studio created a flower wall of 2,000 flowers and herbs hung on the front of its Young designers headquarters to examine the role of facades, while supporting She has a zucchini. She has a mouthpiece. Put them together the spreading of green with a pilot project on the roof planting for a zucchini clarinet. Chinese design student Jia Wu wants to vegetable gardens in shipping palettes. AirBnB hosted a series of encourage kids to practice their music AND eat their veggies. Jia Milan experiences, including a performance by a string quintet designed a set of plastic mouthpieces and keys that can turn a from La Scala's Philharmonic, to underscore its new service offer- red bell pepper into a harmonica or a zucchini into a flute or a ing tours and other insider packages. clarinet. And Samsung rolled out "The Frame," a new television design Kids "are so engaged in creating their own musical instru- that fades to a work of art rather than a black screen when off, in a ments, they think they can learn to play flutes," she said. "The bid to make big-screen TVs a more palpable design choice. materials are everyday objects, vegetables and fruits, and also to Children also got special consideration at this year's events encourage them to eat more healthy food. After making them, with an exhibit dedicated to toys at the Triennale, and a series of they ask their mom and dad, can I eat them, my musical instru- exhibits and play spaces meant to engage them throughout the ment? And then they just cook it." city. Kartell has expanded their children's line, launched last year, Jia, 26, who studies in Britain, was one of four young designers with a smiley face stacking storage system and transparent plastic who won the Lexus Design Award sponsored by the Japanese dollhouse. — AP luxury carmaker this year, and she hopes her connections with Chinese manufacturers will help make the concept a reality. Lamps called ‘Sturlesi’ created by Haigo’s furniture designers.

Creations called ‘Player’s Pflute’ by Chinese designer Jia Wu, at the Lexus space. A man walks next to the round table called ‘Lebeau’ created by designer Patrick Jouin. SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2017

A girl aims a water pistol at the camera during Songkran, Thailand’s traditional New Year fes- People gather in front of a bar during Songkran. tival, on Silom road in Bangkok. — AFP photos Thais soak in new year with nationwide water fight

ordes of revelers armed with plastic water guns poured ring to a downtown Bangkok district that has become a onto Thai streets yesterday for a second day of watery war- Songkran hotspot. Hfare to ring in the kingdom's traditional new year. Known "Overall the situation is orderly," he added. Many see the sog- as Songkran, the Thai holiday is celebrated by paying respect to gy celebration as a fun-filled respite from the sweltering heat that elders and sprinkling water over Buddha figures at local temples. engulfs Thailand during its hot and dry season. But the military But the festival has also become one of the world's biggest-and junta that came to power in 2014 has tried-mostly in vain-to rein People react to being soaked in cold water during Songkran. booziest water fights. Every April rowdy street parties erupt in the revelry with bans on skimpy clothing and restrictions on across the nation as hundreds of thousands of Thais and tourists alcohol. The generals have also struggled to curb drink driving, don floral shirts and drench each other with brightly-coloured which surges during the holiday week, earning it a reputation as water pistols. Thailand's "Seven Deadly Days". Similar but smaller water festivals are also held in neighbor- Authorities reported 167 road deaths over the first three ing Buddhist countries like Myanmar and Laos. The burst of color days of this year's festival-a toll only marginally lower than the was especially striking this year in Bangkok, where many Thais 181 deaths recorded over the same period last April. The num- have worn only black and white for the past six months to mourn ber of road accidents was also up slightly, according to the the October death of the deeply revered King Bhumibol Interior Ministry, with nearly half of the crashes involving Adulyadej. "At its peak I think there were hundreds of thousands drunk drivers. — AFP of people in Silom," city official Vallop Suwandee told AFP, refer-

Youth hang out together during Songkran.

Revelers play in a fountain as they carry water guns while celebrating Songkran. Revelers spray water at each other as they take part in a water festival celebrating Songkran. SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2017

CEO & Publisher of the Vogue Arabia, Shashi Menon poses for the camera at the magazine Mohammad Hazem Rezq, one of the Vogue staff works behind his desk at the magazine office office at the Dubai Design District in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. at the Dubai Design District in Dubai. Vogue Arabia appoints new editor after abrupt 2-issue exit

he local publisher of Vogue Arabia chief, Saudi Princess Deena Aljuhani Abdulaziz, was in her Dubai office, Abdulaziz discussed the idea announced Manuel Arnaut as its new editor- no longer in the post. She was quoted in a state- behind Hadid wearing an embellished, mesh veil Tin-chief yesterday , a day after the surprise exit ment to insider fashion website Business of Fashion on the cover. "I don't want Vogue Arabia to just be of its former editor. Arnaut is currently the editor-in- saying she was fired because she refused to com- another regional magazine. I definitely want it to be chief of Architectural Digest Middle East, which like promise on her vision for the magazine. "It had ini- a global one as well, especially in this political cli- Vogue Arabia is a publication of Conde Nast tially been my intention to build this important and mate. I think it's very important," the mother of International. Dubai-based publisher Nervora, groundbreaking edition of Vogue from inception three had said. Her surprise departure comes just which publishes Vogue Arabia in partnership with to a mature magazine in line with others in the days after Abdulaziz posted on Instagram images Conde Nast, said Arnaut will start in his new role on Vogue stable," she said, before adding that she felt from the magazine's launch party held recently in May 7. Arnaut, who hails from Portugal, previously the publisher's approach conflicted with the tradi- Doha, Qatar. — AP held posts at Vogue Portugal, GQ Portugal, as well tional values that underpin the region. as having had his work published in Vogue and GQ The inaugural print edition published in March This undated photo released by Vogue Brazil. The luxury fashion magazine's edition for the featured American supermodel Gigi Hadid on the Arabia, shows the cover of the March 2017 Middle East had published just two print issues cover and included a section entirely in Arabic. In edition of Vogue Arabia magazine with when it was reported Thursday that its editor-in- an interview last month with The Associated Press American supermodel Gigi Hadid in an embellished, mesh veil. — AP photos Documentary chronicles Boston, 'granddaddy of all marathons'

hat's the planet's most legendary marathon? Probably chewing tobacco. that fabled first one Pheidippides ran in 490 BC, 2. Seven-time champion Clarence DeMar's doctors warned Wbreathlessly proclaiming a great military victory before him to stop running because they were convinced it weak- perishing from his effort. Next in line? Surely the Boston ened the heart. Marathon, whose colorful 121-year history is captured in a 3. A race official had to pay 1939 winner Tarzan Brown's $1 movie premiering Saturday in its host city. Narrated by Matt entry fee after he showed up penniless at the start line. Damon, "Boston," the first feature-length documentary about There's a direct tie to Pheidippides' run as a foot soldier the race, tells how it grew from 15 runners in 1897 to become relaying word of the Greeks' victory over the Persians in the the globe's most venerable footrace. The world premiere at the Battle of Marathon. When the first modern Olympic marathon Boch Center's Wang Theatre, where the Boston Pops Esplanade was run in 1896, retracing Pheidippides' steps from Marathon to Orchestra will conduct a live performance of Emmy-winning Athens, members of the US team - many of them Bostonians - composer Jeff Beal's score, comes two days before Monday's marveled at the event and came home determined to duplicate running of the marathon. The film will be screened at 450 the- it here the following year. aters around the US on Wednesday. "They said, 'Boston is the Athens of the West' - we want our "The Boston Marathon is a truly iconic sporting event," said own marathon," Tom Derderian, an acclaimed running coach director Jon Dunham, a marathoner who calls it "the granddad- and author who served as an executive producer for the docu- dy of all marathons." "It's unique in the world of marathons, and mentary, says in the film. "Boston" also chronicles how women in fact it transcends the world of marathons," he said. The 2013 broke through the gender barrier, starting with Bobbi Gibb in bombings near the finish line that killed three spectators and 1966 and Kathrine Switzer the following year. Both, as well as wounded more than 260 others aren't the focus of the film, but Sara Rae Berman, ran before women were allowed to register neither are they a footnote. Dunham had 56 cameras rolling for the 1972 race. Four-time Olympian Shalane Flanagan, who along the course in 2014 to record the euphoria of athletes posted the fastest time ever for an American woman on the from around the world essentially reclaiming the marathon, course in 2014, appears in the film and captures Boston's spirit. paced by Meb Keflezighi, the first American winner in 31 years. "There's no one who can watch the Boston Marathon and not Mostly, though, the documentary is devoted to the Boston be inspired somehow by someone," she says. — AP Marathon's rich lore. The Boston Athletic Association, which organizes the race, gave Dunham exclusive rights to its archive of photos, video and marathon memorabilia. Through the ages, In this April 19, 1930 file photo, veteran marathoner the marathon has mirrored society's idiosyncrasies: Clarence DeMar, of the Melrose American Legion Post, 1. Some of the first to run it - all men - thought steak and crosses the finish line to win the Boston Marathon in the whiskey gave them a competitive advantage. Chuck Mellor, last of his record seven wins in Boston. — AP the 1925 winner, ran the entire race with a cheek full of TECHNOLOGY SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2017

Security, biggest deterrent to storing data in the cloud

DUBAI: Security is the number one concern tional staffing needed to increase data stored in the cloud by 2019. amongst senior business executives when it comes move to the cloud. Yet Healthcare will move its customer data to the cloud, to cloud data adoption, yet more than half of busi- cloud storage is set to whilst utilities will prioritize IT and R&D data: 59 per- ness-critical data is likely to reside there by 2019. rise sharply in the next cent of respondents highlighted that thehealthcare According to the findings of a new study released two years: Although 58 industry will move customer data to the cloud in the yesterday, by Teradata (NYSE: TDC), the leading data percent of data from next two years. Utilities will prioritize moving IT and analytics company, eight out of ten executives organizations surveyed infrastructure (64 percent) and R&D/Engineering cite security as a concern when storing data in the already sits in the cloud data (52 percent). cloud, but that has not stopped a huge rise in the today, usage of cloud will Marc Clark, ˝Director of Cloud Strategy and amount of critical data being sent there. Looking increase over the next Deployment at Teradata said: “Our message to ahead to 2019, executives predict that over half of IT two years, with three in organizations around the world is that the cloud is (56 percent), customer (53 percent), and financial ten companies globally actually one of the most secure means of virtual data (51 percent) will reside in the cloud. predicting a significant storage available. While our study finds widespread The study highlights that although businesses increase of data in the Marc Clark concerns, the fact is that cloud storage is growing want to invest in cloud storage and many plan to do cloud by 2019. rapidly, remains hugely cost-effective, and that there so over the next two years, there are real concerns Majority of legal data is being held back from are ways to manage it securely. about security of information and data breaches. A the cloud: Legal data is being kept on physical “Cloud computing security processes should be number of key trends were identified: Security and servers for the most part, with just 27 percent of designed to address the security controls that the lack of control are the top obstacles holding back businesses surveyed expecting to move their legal cloud provider will incorporate, in order to maintain storage of critical data in the cloud: 40 percent of data to the cloud in the next two years. Telecoms the data security, privacy and compliance with nec- respondents say general security is a risk, while 25 are making the biggest commitment to the cloud, essary regulations, as well as providing a business percent of respondents believe cloud data adoption with marcomms making strong moves within continuity and data backup plan. “By identifying the will result in more security breaches. organizations: 48 percent of organizations sur- barriers within the business that hinder further A quarter of those surveyed believe data cloud veyed anticipate a significant increase intheir cloud adoption, as well as where cloud storage is creating adoption will result in lack of control. 52 percent say storage use by 2019. positive opportunities, we aim to provide reassur- executive buy-in to data in the cloud is holding 48 percent of marketing and communications ance that cloud storage is a safe and cost effective them back and 22 percent struggle with the addi- departments within organizations surveyed will way to store company information.”

With smartphones, customers Facebook looking at behavior to weed are corporate whistleblowers out fake accounts

Smartphones and social media shifts power to consumers SAN FRANCISCO: Facebook on Wednesday said it has started weeding out bogus accounts by watching for sus- NEW YORK: Look out, Corporate America. Customers armed picious behavior such as repetitive posts or torrents of with smartphones and video cameras are watching when you messages. The security improvement was described as screw up. The viral video of a ticketed passenger dragged being part of a broader effort to rid the leading social net- forcefully off a United flight is only the latest example of bad work of hoaxes, misinformation, and fake news by making behavior exposed in the age of social media. In February, Uber sure people are who they claim to be. came under fire after a driver posted video of CEO Travis “We’ve found that when people represent themselves Kalanick berating him. on Facebook the same way they do in real life, they act Earlier, a Comcast technician was shown in a video sleeping responsibly,” Shabnam Shaik of the Facebook protect and on a customer’s couch, and an audio recording chronicled one care team said in a blog post. “Fake accounts don’t follow man’s herculean efforts to drop Comcast service; they are this pattern, and are closely related to the creation and among the embarrassing customer complaints that ultimately spread of spam.” Accounts suspected of being bogus are forced improvements. FedEx had to respond after video suspended and holders asked to verify identifies, which showed a driver carelessly throwing a package with a comput- scammers typically don’t do, according to the California- er monitor over the front gate. based social network. In France, the new tactic has already Beyond the corporate sphere, smartphone videos of police resulted in Facebook taking action against 30,000 brutality have prompted protests and investigations. Not long accounts believed to be fakes, Shaik said. “We’ve made ago, such incidents might have gotten a mention on the local improvements to recognize these inauthentic accounts news at most, and quickly disappeared. But smartphone cam- more easily by identifying patterns of activity-without eras and social media have democratized information and assessing the content itself,” Shaik said. —AFP shifted power to consumers. Companies can no longer sweep complaints under the rug. NEW YORK: In this file photo, United Airlines CEO Oscar CIA chief calls WikiLeaks a “That’s something a lot of companies just don’t get,” said Munoz speaks in New York, during a presentation of the Paul Argenti, a professor of corporate communications at carrier’s new Polaris service. —AP hostile intelligence service Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business. “Companies still operate as if they can hide things and make believe something didn’t off a flight. “You need rules, but you need to be flexible and WASHINGTON: CIA Director Mike Pompeo on Thursday called happen.” adapt,” Argenti said. WikiLeaks a non-state “hostile intelligence service” often abet- ted by state actors, such as Russia during last year’s presiden- Rewriting the playbook Block and tackle tial campaign. “WikiLeaks walks like a hostile intelligence serv- Companies can’t eliminate embarrassing gaffes entirely, but Once a video is out there, the standard PR-crisis response ice and talks like a hostile intelligence service,” Pompeo told can learn from past blunders to minimize the damage. It starts remains the same as it always has: Work swiftly to correct the an audience at a Washington think tank. with training. Employees need to be ready to react when a sit- situation in the eyes of the public. “Apologize, talk about why it Russia’s GRU intelligence service had used the anti-secrecy uation gets dramatic - and companies should emphasize that happened, and say it will never happen again,” Argenti said. group to distribute hacked material during the 2016 US presi- anything employees do could be recorded. That’s especially United CEO Oscar Munoz eventually apologized, but not for dential election, he said. WikiLeaks released Democratic true for transportation, fast-food and other companies with a two days and after first blaming the customer and airport secu- emails during the 2016 presidential campaign that US intelli- lot of employees who interact directly with large numbers of rity. And once a video goes viral, companies have to cede con- gence agencies say were hacked by Russia to try to tilt the customers. trol of the narrative. election against Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in favor Running through hypothetical scenarios helps. “Have a cou- “When the video is out there, don’t try to countermand of Republican Donald Trump, the eventual winner. ple things planned, what we should do if ‘x’ happens and what what the video says,” said Herman Leonard, a professor of busi- WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange said the release was not we should do if ‘y’ happens,” said Lakshman Krishnamurthi, a ness administration at Harvard. In the past, companies had intended to influence the election. In March, WikiLeaks pub- Kellogg School of Management marketing professor. On-site hours or days to respond to a crisis. Now, companies must lished documents describing secret Central Intelligence employees need to be given more power to respond to avoid respond immediately, before a scandal spins out of control on Agency hacking tools and snippets of computer code, but did escalating an incident, especially one that might be recorded. social media. For example, when Domino’s Pizza employees not publish the full programs that would be needed to con- In United’s case, for instance, even if employees were fol- posted a YouTube video of workers defacing sandwiches in duct cyber exploits against phones, computers and internet- lowing the rules for seeking volunteers to give up seats, they 2009, the employees were quickly fired, the store was inspect- connected televisions. Intelligence and law enforcement offi- should have been able to read the situation and increase the ed and the CEO apologized. That helped mitigate some, if not cials said contractors likely breached security and handed the financial incentives for volunteers rather than drag a passenger all of the damage. —AP documents to WikiLeaks. —Reuters TECHNOLOGY SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2017

Centrify appoints new EMEA Channel Director

DUBAI: Centrify, the leader in securing hybrid enterpris- es through the power of identity services, has appointed John Andrews as its new EMEA Channel Director. John, who reports to Vice President and Managing Director for EMEA, Andy Heather, will be responsible for setting out and delivering on the company’s long-term channel strategy and building a core set of distribution partners and VARs across the region, including the UK, DACH, Middle East, Northern Europe and Southern Europe. John, who joined from BeyondTrust, has spent the last 18 years helping to build a channel presence and coverage in the Middle East and APAC markets for market-leading security vendors, including Juniper Networks, F5 and McAfee. He also spent three years as Marketing Director for Computer links Distribution, managing a portfolio of more than 25 security-focused vendors. As Centrify continues to invest funds and resources SAN FRANCISCO: In this photograph, Luminar chief technology officer Jason Eichenholz points to a 3-D lidar map dis- into channel marketing, one of the first jobs of the new played on a screen in San Francisco. — AP Channel Director will be to evaluate 250+ partners and focus on establishing a top 10 tier of VARs in each region. Centrify also plans to introduce an enhanced Aspiring tech prodigy tries and improved virtual training platform for partners. This will include a one-week boot-camp style delivery into each region, with intensive training to bring partners up to re-route self-driving cars to speed on the company’s services capabilities and encourage better cross-selling and customer support. SAN FRANCISCO: Austin Russell, now 22, says Luminar’s version, consisting of its upstaged by a precocious entrepreneur “We have built up a strong channel network across was barely old enough to drive when he own patented hardware and software, who says he memorized all the periodic EMEA over the past few years, but now is the time to set out to create a safer navigation sys- will provide 50 times more resolution table of the elements when he was 2 assess these relationships to ensure our partners have tem for robot-controlled cars. His ambi- and 10 times the range of current lidar years old. By the time he turned 11, the right skill set, product alignment and are committed tions are about to be tested. Five years systems. Those improvements, he said, Russell says he was tinkering with super- to adding real value to our mutual customers,” com- ago, Russell co-founded Luminar will enable self-driving cars to be sold on computers. ments John Andrews. “We also want to ensure we are Technologies, a Silicon Valley startup try- the mass market more quickly. Like another technology prodigy - working with channel part- ing to steer the rapidly expanding self- Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg - ners that can offer specialist driving car industry in a new direction. Thiel backbone Russell won the early support of PayPal skills and routes into core Luminar kept its work closely guarded During an interview in an empty co-founder Peter Thiel, who became a vertical markets, including until Thursday, when the startup warehouse on a San Francisco pier where billionaire after investing $500,000 in banking, retail and telcos. revealed the first details about a product Luminar has been testing its lidar, Russell Facebook during the company’s infancy. “Our strength is the iden- Russell is touting as a far more powerful wasn’t shy about making big claims for One of Luminar’s early investors is a tity message, which plays form of “lidar,” a key sensing technology its technology. “When you see your vehi- venture capital firm backed by Thiel and into every part of the securi- used in autonomous vehicles designed cle is powered by Luminar, you will know eBay founder Pierre Omidyar. Russell also ty sell, from privileged by Google, Uber and major automakers. you will be safer,” he said. “We need to dropped out of Stanford University after access management and Lidar systems work by bouncing get to the point where humans don’t just three months when he won a Thiel single sign on to multi-fac- lasers off nearby objects and measuring have to constantly baby-sit and take con- fellowship, which pays students $100,000 tor authentication and iden- the reflections to build up a detailed 3-D trol” of autonomous cars. to work on promising ideas instead of tity as a service (IaaS). My picture of the surrounding environment. If Luminar’s lidar lives up to its prom- pursuing a degree. John Andrews primary goal is to support The technology is similar to radar, which ise, some of the world’s biggest technol- our channel partners in uses radio waves instead of lasers. Russell ogy and auto companies may have been Cost or safety? delivering this message to customers who are strug- Also like Zuckerberg, Russell is CEO of gling to manage identity and access in today’s diverse his company. Most of Luminar’s roughly environments, incorporating hybrid cloud, mobile and Toddlers playing with touch 150 employees are older than him, data centre.” including his former mentor in photon- Centrify, who appointed Exertis as its distribution screens sleep less: Study ics, 45-year-old Jason Eichenholz, now partner in the UK two years ago following the decision the company’s chief technology officer. to move to a two-tier model, will visit distributors in PARIS: The more toddlers play with screens by an even younger cohort Russell’s father, a former commercial real each country to involve them in the process and pres- touchscreen devices the less they remained unexplored. In 2014, more estate specialist, is the company’s chief ent the new corporate strategy and vision. Other distrib- sleep, according to a study released than 70 percent of families in Britain, financial officer. Now Russell will have to utors include Infinigate in DACH and France, StarLink in Thursday that suggests the findings where the study was conducted, prove he has indeed invented something the Middle East, and DCB in Benelux. could be cause for concern. For every owned a touchscreen device. revolutionary. While lidar is a key compo- Phil Brown, Sales and Commercial Director, Exertis, additional hour using a touchscreen For the study, parents of 715 nent in self-driving clears, some believe adds: “We’re delighted that Centrify chose Exertis as its phone or tablet during the day, chil- infants and toddlers were asked to Luminar may be working on the wrong sole distribution partner in the UK and Ireland. The mar- dren aged six months to three years report their child’s daytime and night- problem. The big issue for lidar systems ket for identity management/consolidation is growing slept nearly 16 minutes less in each time sleep, how quickly their children these days is cost, not safety, said Alex rapidly as businesses start to appreciate and focus on 24 hour period, researchers reported fell into slumber, and how often they Lidow, CEO of Efficient Power cyber threats. Mobility continues to play a major part in in the journal Scientific Reports. But woke during the night. The time chil- Conversion, which supplies chips for improving productivity, with users accessing cloud and the study could not determine if the dren spent on touchscreen devices lidar. The systems currently cost thou- onsite resources from multiple devices. Centrify’s offer- extra screen time was responsible for was also tracked. Three-quarters of sands of dollars apiece. ing in the market is unique as it combines identity assur- tiny tots sleeping less, or if the loss of toddlers monitored used a touch- “You don’t need the resolution that ance, access control, centralized administration and shuteye had any adverse health screen tablet or phone on a daily would allow a car to stop before a bug hits adherence to the latest regulatory guidelines, so IT effects. basis. For children aged two or three, its windshield,” Lidow said. “The question departments can improve efficiency and protect their One expert not involved in the that percentage climbed to 92. On comes down to, what is the exact right most valuable resources. research said the results “should be average, the devices were used 25 amount of information for the car to make “We believe Centrify provides our enterprise and interpreted with extreme caution.” minutes per day. exactly the right decision all the time?” SMB partners with a comprehensive platform to help Sleep is critical for cognitive develop- Not only did more screen time cor- Luminar plans to being manufactur- organizations reduce the attack surface and fight ment, especially during the first few relate with less sleep, it was also asso- ing 10,000 lidar units at a 50,000-square- against the threat of compromised credentials associat- years of life, when the brain and sleep ciated with a longer transition into foot plant in Orlando, Florida, this year. ed with cybercrime. Given our strategic relationship patterns evolve in tandem. Earlier slumber. The quality of sleep, howev- Russell won’t disclose what they’ll cost. with partners, Exertis is committed to adding value to research has shown that television er, did not appear to change. Several About 100 of the lidar systems will be this new initiative by helping to extend their reach and watching and video game use are experts commenting on the findings tested by four makers of autonomous stimulating growth in new markets.” linked to sleep problems in children. challenged the study’s methodology cars that Luminar isn’t identifying. The But the burgeoning use of touch- and conclusions. — AFP partners include technology companies and automakers, Russell said. — AP TV listings SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2017

06:00 My Crazy Ex 16:10 Mythbusters 13:45 Girl Meets World 05:30 How Do They Do It? 07:00 The First 48 17:00 What Could Possibly Go Wrong? 14:10 Girl Meets World 06:00 Storage Hunters 08:00 Britain's Biggest Heists 17:50 What Could Possibly Go Wrong? 14:35 Girl Meets World 06:25 Storage Hunters 09:00 Nightmare In Suburbia 18:40 Battle Bots 15:00 Girl Meets World 06:50 Storage Hunters 00:15 REC 2 10:00 Nightmare In Suburbia 19:30 Kids Do The Craziest Things 15:25 Jessie 07:15 Storage Hunters 02:00 Gone In Sixty Seconds 11:00 Crimes That Shook Australia 19:55 Kids Do The Craziest Things 15:50 Jessie 07:40 Storage Hunters 06:00 Run All Night 12:00 Crimes That Shook Australia 20:20 Now That's Funny 16:15 Austin & Ally 08:05 How Do They Do It? 08:00 Forbidden Empire 13:00 Robbie Coltrane's Critical Evidence 21:10 Dynamo A-Z Special 16:40 Austin & Ally 08:30 How Do They Do It? 10:00 Gone In Sixty Seconds 14:00 Robbie Coltrane's Critical Evidence 22:00 Destroyed In Seconds 17:05 Descendants Wicked World 08:55 How Do They Do It? 12:00 The Throwaways 15:00 I Killed My BFF 22:25 Destroyed In Seconds 17:10 Elena Of Avalor 09:20 How Do They Do It? 13:45 Run All Night 16:00 I Killed My BFF 22:50 Destroyed In Seconds 17:35 Liv And Maddie 09:45 How Do They Do It? 15:45 Hudson Hawk 17:00 Evil Up Close 23:15 Destroyed In Seconds 18:00 Disney The Lodge 10:10 Gold Rush: Remembering John 17:30 A View To A Kill 18:00 Evil Up Close 23:40 Kids Do The Craziest Things 18:25 Monsters, Inc Schnabel 19:45 The Living Daylights 19:00 Evil Up Close 20:00 Eco Club 11:00 Idris Elba: No Limits 22:00 Sanitarium 20:00 The First 48 20:05 Stuck In The Middle 11:50 World's Top 5 21:00 Homicide Hunter 20:30 Bizaardvark 12:40 Fast N' Loud 22:00 They Took Our Child, We Got Her Back 20:55 Bunk'd 13:30 Fast N' Loud 23:00 Leah Remini: Scientology And The 21:20 Best Friends Whenever 14:20 Fast N' Loud Aftermath 21:45 Disney The Lodge 15:10 Fast N' Loud 00:10 Hank Zipzer 22:10 Girl Meets World 16:00 Fast N' Loud 00:35 Binny And The Ghost 22:35 That's So Raven 16:50 The Wheel: Survival Games 01:00 Binny And The Ghost 23:00 Good Luck Charlie 17:40 Running Wild With Bear Grylls 00:15 Swamp Brothers 01:25 Hank Zipzer 23:25 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage Witch 18:30 Deadliest Job Interview 00:45 Bondi Vet 01:45 The Hive 23:50 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage Witch 19:20 Treasure Quest: Snake Island 01:40 Wildest India 01:50 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage Witch 20:10 Supertruckers 02:35 Tanked 00:30 What Could Possibly Go Wrong? 02:15 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage Witch 21:00 Toucan Nation 03:25 Running With Wolves 01:20 Battle Bots 02:40 Hank Zipzer 21:50 Yukon Men 04:15 Gator Boys 02:10 Deception With Keith Barry 03:05 Binny And The Ghost 22:40 Alaskan Bush People 05:02 Swamp Brothers 03:00 Destroyed In Seconds 03:30 Binny And The Ghost 23:30 Gold Rush: Remembering John 05:27 Swamp Brothers 03:25 Destroyed In Seconds 03:55 Hank Zipzer Schnabel 05:49 Wildest India 03:50 Ultimate Survival 04:15 The Hive 00:00 Henry Hugglemonster 06:36 Swamp Brothers 04:40 How It's Made 04:20 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage Witch 00:15 Calimero 07:00 Swamp Brothers 05:05 How It's Made 04:45 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage Witch 00:30 Art Attack 07:25 Wildest India 05:30 Dirty Jobs 05:10 Hank Zipzer 00:55 Zou 08:15 Rugged Justice 06:20 Mythbusters 05:35 Binny And The Ghost 01:05 Loopdidoo 06:00 Guardians Of The Galaxy 09:10 Hunt For The Russian Tiger 07:00 Doki 06:00 Binny And The Ghost 01:20 Henry Hugglemonster 06:25 Marvel Ultimate Spider-Man vs The 10:05 Treetop Cat Rescue 07:25 Doki 06:25 Hank Zipzer 01:35 Calimero Sinister 6 10:30 Treetop Cat Rescue 07:50 Bear Grylls Survival School 06:45 The Hive 01:50 Zou 06:50 Atomic Puppet 11:00 Life At Vet University 08:15 Bear Grylls Survival School 06:50 The 7D 02:05 Art Attack 07:15 Gravity Falls 11:55 Bondi Vet 08:40 Kids Do The Craziest Things 07:00 Jessie 02:30 The Hive 07:40 Supa Strikas 12:50 Swamp Brothers 09:05 Kids Do The Craziest Things 07:25 Jessie 02:40 Loopdidoo 08:05 Two More Eggs 13:15 Swamp Brothers 09:30 Kids Do The Craziest Things 07:50 Eco Club 02:55 Henry Hugglemonster 08:10 K.C. Undercover 13:45 Swamp Brothers 09:55 Kids Do The Craziest Things 07:55 The Zhuzhus 03:10 Art Attack 08:35 Milo Murphy's Law 14:10 Swamp Brothers 10:20 Kids Do The Craziest Things 08:20 Elena Of Avalor 03:35 Loopdidoo 09:00 Walk The Prank 14:40 Swamp Brothers 10:45 Kids Do The Craziest Things 08:45 Bizaardvark 03:50 Calimero 09:25 Right Now Kapow 15:05 Swamp Brothers 11:10 Kids Do The Craziest Things 09:10 Bizaardvark 04:05 Art Attack 09:50 Lab Rats 15:35 Swamp Brothers 11:35 Kids Do The Craziest Things 09:35 Stuck In The Middle 04:30 Henry Hugglemonster 10:15 Two More Eggs 16:00 Swamp Brothers 12:00 Kids Do The Craziest Things 10:00 Stuck In The Middle 04:45 Zou 10:20 Star vs The Forces Of Evil 16:30 Swamp Brothers 12:25 Kids Do The Craziest Things 10:25 Disney The Lodge 05:00 Art Attack 10:45 Mighty Med 16:55 Swamp Brothers 12:50 Mythbusters 10:50 Bunk'd 05:30 Henry Hugglemonster 11:10 K.C. Undercover 17:25 Swamp Brothers 13:40 Mythbusters 11:15 Bunk'd 05:45 Loopdidoo 11:35 Lab Rats: Bionic Island 17:50 Swamp Brothers 14:30 Mythbusters 11:40 Zapped 06:00 Zou 12:00 Bedtime Stories 18:20 Rugged Justice 15:20 Mythbusters 13:20 Girl Meets World 06:15 Calimero 13:45 Gamer's Guide To Pretty Much 19:15 Wildest India 06:30 Loopdidoo Everything 20:10 Hunt For The Russian Tiger 06:45 Henry Hugglemonster 14:10 Disney Mickey Mouse 21:05 Pit Bulls & Parolees 07:00 My Friends Tigger & Pooh 14:15 Milo Murphy's Law 22:00 Rugged Justice 07:25 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 14:40 K.C. Undercover 22:55 Gator Boys 07:50 Goldie & Bear 15:05 Walk The Prank 23:50 Gator Boys 08:15 Miles From Tomorrow 15:30 Atomic Puppet 08:30 The Legion Of Pirate Villains 15:55 Lab Rats 09:20 Sofia The First 16:25 Right Now Kapow 09:45 Doc McStuffins 16:50 K.C. Undercover 10:00 The Lion Guard 17:15 Future-Worm! 10:30 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 17:40 Star Wars Freemaker Adventures 00:00 Doctors 10:55 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 18:05 Disney Mickey Mouse 00:30 Doctors 11:25 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 18:10 Star Wars Rebels 01:00 Line Of Duty 11:50 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 18:35 Bedtime Stories 02:00 Line Of Duty 12:15 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 20:20 Kickin' It 03:05 Benidorm 12:45 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 20:45 Mighty Med 04:05 Doctors 13:10 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 21:10 Star Wars Rebels 04:35 Doctors 13:40 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 21:40 Disney Mickey Mouse 05:10 Father Brown 14:05 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 21:45 Marvel's Avengers Assemble 06:00 Doctors 14:35 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 22:10 Marvel Ultimate Spider-Man vs The 06:30 Doctors 15:00 Lion King 2: Simba's Pride Sinister 6 09:30 Eastenders 16:25 Sofia The First 22:35 Boyster 10:00 Eastenders 16:55 Goldie & Bear 23:00 Programmes Start At 6:00am KSA 10:30 Eastenders 17:20 Doc McStuffins 11:00 Eastenders 17:45 Jake And The Never Land Pirates 11:30 Holby City 18:15 Sheriff Callie's Wild West 12:20 Casualty 18:45 PJ Masks 13:15 Father Brown 19:00 Doc McStuffins 14:05 Doctor Who 19:25 Doc McStuffins 14:50 Doctor Who 19:50 PJ Masks 00:05 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 15:55 Doctor Who 20:05 Goldie & Bear 00:55 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 17:00 Doctor Who: The Return Of Doctor 20:35 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 01:50 E! News Mysterio 21:00 Sheriff Callie's Wild West 02:50 Celebrity Style Story 18:00 Doctors 21:30 Miles From Tomorrow 03:20 Celebrity Style Story 18:30 Eastenders 22:00 Jake And The Never Land Pirates 03:50 Botched By Nature 19:00 Father Brown 22:25 Jake And The Never Land Pirates 04:40 Botched By Nature 19:45 Rev. 22:55 PJ Masks 05:30 Celebrity Style Story 20:15 Last Tango In Halifax 23:20 Henry Hugglemonster 06:00 EJ NYC 21:10 Programme To Be Confirmed 23:35 The Hive 06:55 E! News 22:05 Thirteen 23:45 Loopdidoo 07:10 E! News 23:00 Line Of Duty 08:10 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 09:00 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 09:50 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 10:40 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 11:30 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 00:20 Toucan Nation 12:20 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 00:00 50 Ways To Kill Your Lover 01:10 Wheeler Dealers 13:15 E! News 01:00 My Haunted House 02:00 Diesel Brothers 13:45 Celebrity Style Story 02:00 Crime Stories 02:50 Harley And The Davidsons 14:15 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 03:00 Monster In My Family 03:40 How Do They Do It? 15:10 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 04:00 50 Ways To Kill Your Lover 04:05 How Do They Do It? 16:05 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 05:00 My Haunted House 04:30 How Do They Do It? 17:00 Keeping Up With The Kardashians RUN ALL NIGHT ON OSN MOVIES ACTION HD 05:00 How Do They Do It? 18:00 Keeping Up With The Kardashians TV listings SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2017

19:00 E! News 09:15 Capture The Flag 20:00 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 11:00 Yugo & Lala 2 21:00 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 12:30 Hotel For Dogs 22:00 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 14:15 Thumbelina 23:00 E! News 16:00 Capture The Flag 23:30 Celebrity Style Story 18:00 The Tale Of The Princess Kaguya 20:15 The Wild Thornberrys Movie 21:45 Thumbelina 23:15 The Boxcar Children

00:00 Ching's Amazing Asia 00:30 Ching's Amazing Asia 00:00 Goldfinger 01:00 Reza, Spice Prince Of Thailand 02:00 Jurassic World 01:30 Reza, Spice Prince Of Thailand 04:15 Beaches 02:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 06:15 Barely Lethal 02:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 08:00 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 03:00 Man Fire Food 09:45 Paddington 03:30 Man Fire Food 11:30 Jurassic World 04:00 Chopped 14:00 October Sky 05:00 Guy's Grocery Games 16:00 Everest 06:00 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 18:15 D-Tox 06:30 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 20:00 Faster 07:00 Chopped 22:00 Wild Horses 08:00 Barefoot Contessa: Back To Basics 08:30 Barefoot Contessa: Back To Basics 09:00 The Pioneer Woman 09:30 The Pioneer Woman 10:00 Siba's Table 10:30 Siba's Table 11:00 Anna Olson: Bake 00:30 How Do They Do It? 11:30 Anna Olson: Bake 00:55 Food Factory 12:00 Man Fire Food EVEREST ON OSN MOVIES HD 01:20 Mythbusters 12:30 Man Fire Food 02:10 Ecopolis 03:40 Smartest Guy In The Room 07:10 Street Food Around The World 03:45 Wild Indochina 13:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 03:00 Prototype This 04:05 Smartest Guy In The Room 08:05 Restoration Man 04:40 Survive The Wild 13:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 03:48 Mythbusters 04:30 The Universe 09:00 Living Free With Kimi Werner 05:35 Extreme Animal Babies 14:00 Chopped 04:36 How Do They Do It? 05:20 America: The Story Of The U.S. 09:55 A Model Adventure 06:30 Monster Fish 15:00 Barefoot Contessa: Back To Basics 05:00 Food Factory 06:10 The Universe 10:50 Fish Of The Day 07:25 Monster Fish 15:30 Barefoot Contessa: Back To Basics 05:24 Mythbusters 07:00 Ancient Discoveries 11:45 Dog Whisperer 08:20 Unlikely Animal Friends 16:00 The Pioneer Woman 06:12 Ecopolis 08:00 Brad Meltzer's Decoded 12:40 Andy And Ben Eat Australia 09:15 Caught In The Act 16:30 The Pioneer Woman 07:00 How Do They Do It? 09:00 Ancient Aliens 13:35 Confucius Was A Foodie 10:10 Strangest Bird Alive 17:00 Siba's Table: Fast Feasts 07:26 Food Factory 10:00 Smartest Guy In The Room 14:30 Chasing The Sun 11:05 Dr. K's Exotic Animal ER 17:30 Siba's Table: Fast Feasts 07:50 Food Factory 10:30 Smartest Guy In The Room 15:25 Eat Street 12:00 When Sharks Attack 18:00 Anna Olson: Bake 08:14 Food Factory 11:00 The Universe 15:50 Eat Street 12:55 World's Deadliest: Jaws & Sins 18:30 Anna Olson: Bake 08:38 Food Factory 23:00 Ancient Aliens 16:20 Around The World In 80 Dishes 13:50 Natural Born Monsters 19:00 Man Fire Food 09:02 Food Factory 17:15 Bangkok Airport 14:45 The Desert Sea 19:30 Man Fire Food 09:26 How Do They Do It? 18:10 Food Lover's Guide To The Planet 15:40 Man And The Wild 20:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 09:50 How Do They Do It? 18:35 Food Lover's Guide To The Planet 16:35 Savage Kingdom 20:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 10:14 How Do They Do It? 19:05 Chasing The Sun 17:30 Africa's Deadliest 21:00 Restaurant: Impossible 10:38 How Do They Do It? 19:30 Eat Street 18:25 Wild 24 22:00 Mystery Diners 11:02 How Do They Do It? 00:20 Leepu And Pitbull 20:00 Eat Street 19:20 The Desert Sea 22:30 Mystery Diners 11:26 Eco-Tech 01:10 Ultimate Wheels 20:25 Around The World In 80 Dishes 20:10 Man And The Wild 23:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 12:14 Eco-Tech 02:00 Ice Road Truckers 21:20 Bangkok Airport 21:00 Savage Kingdom 23:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 13:02 Eco-Tech 02:50 Pawn Stars 22:10 Food Lover's Guide To The Planet 21:50 Africa's Deadliest 13:50 Ecopolis 03:15 Pawn Stars UK 22:35 Food Lover's Guide To The Planet 22:40 Wild 24 14:38 Ecopolis 03:40 Pawn Stars UK 23:00 Andy And Ben Eat Australia 23:30 When Sharks Attack 15:26 Mythbusters 04:05 Pawn Stars UK 23:25 Andy And Ben Eat Australia 16:14 Mythbusters 04:30 Pawn Stars UK 23:50 Confucius Was A Foodie 17:02 Mythbusters 05:00 Leepu And Pitbull 17:50 Mythbusters 06:00 Storage Wars 00:10 The Chase 18:40 Mythbusters 06:25 Storage Wars 01:00 Emmerdale 19:30 How The Universe Works 06:50 Pawn Stars South Africa 01:25 Emmerdale 20:20 Sport Science 07:15 Pawn Stars South Africa 00:00 Underdog 01:50 Emmerdale 21:10 Strip The Cosmos 07:40 American Pickers 02:00 Ice Age 02:15 Emmerdale 22:00 Home Factory 08:30 Pawn Stars 04:00 The Incredible Adventures Of Professor 02:40 Emmerdale 22:25 Home Factory 08:55 Pawn Stars 00:10 The Story Of God With Morgan Branestawm 03:05 Emmerdale 22:50 Mythbusters 09:20 Ultimate Wheels Freeman 05:00 High School Musical 3: Senior Year 03:25 Coronation Street 23:40 Prototype This 10:10 Leepu And Pitbull 01:00 Uncensored With Michael Ware 07:00 Ice Age 03:50 Coronation Street 11:00 Shipping Wars 02:00 Nat Geo Amazing! 09:00 Peter Pan 04:15 Coronation Street 11:25 Shipping Wars 03:00 Inside 11:00 High School Musical 3: Senior Year 04:40 Coronation Street 11:50 Ice Road Truckers 04:00 Locked Up Abroad 13:00 Ice Age 3: Dawn Of The Dinosaurs 05:05 Coronation Street 12:40 Ax Men 05:00 Air Crash Investigation 15:00 Robots 05:30 Vera 13:30 Lost Worlds 06:00 Mega Breakdown 17:00 Charlotte's Web 07:05 It's Not Rocket Science 14:20 Hunting Hitler 07:00 Mega Factories 19:00 Ghost Squad 08:00 Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway 00:20 The Day I Almost Died 15:10 The Curse Of Oak Island 08:00 Dog Whisperer 21:00 The Lone Ranger 09:20 Broadchurch 01:10 The Undateables 16:00 Gold Hunters: Legend Of The 09:00 Dog Whisperer 23:30 Robots 10:15 Broadchurch 02:00 Married By Mum And Dad Superstition... 10:00 Cesar's Recruit: Asia 11:10 Prince Philip: The Plot To Make A King 02:50 Monsters Inside Me 16:50 Big Easy Motors 10:30 Danger Decoded 12:10 Come Date With Me Australia 03:35 Outdaughtered: Busby Quints 17:15 Big Easy Motors 11:00 Science Of Stupid 13:10 Come Date With Me Australia 04:20 Toddlers & Tiaras 17:40 American Restoration 11:30 Science Of Stupid 13:40 Come Date With Me Australia 05:10 Toddlers & Tiaras 18:30 Ice Road Truckers 12:00 Titanic: Case Closed 14:05 Come Date With Me Australia 06:00 Little People, Big World 19:20 American Pickers 14:00 Inside: China's Biggest Gala 14:35 Come Date With Me Australia 06:50 Little People, Big World 20:10 Forged In Fire 15:00 Air Crash Investigation 00:15 Cocaine Cowboys: Reloaded 15:00 Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway 07:40 Little People, Big World 21:00 The Curse Of Oak Island 16:00 The Story Of God With Morgan 03:00 The Theory Of Everything 16:15 Vera 08:30 Say Yes To The Dress 21:50 Hunting Hitler Freeman 05:15 The Express 17:45 Prince Philip: The Plot To Make A King 09:20 Randy To The Rescue 22:40 Search For The Lost Giants 17:00 Origins: The Journey Of Humankind 07:30 Ironweed 18:45 Gino's Italian Escape 10:10 Say Yes To The Dress: The Big Day 23:30 American Restoration 18:00 Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey 10:00 Neil Young: Heart Of Gold 19:00 Gino's Italian Escape 11:00 Say Yes To The Dress: The Big Day 19:00 Air Crash Investigation 11:45 The Theory Of Everything 19:10 Guess This House 11:50 Say Yes To The Dress: Bridesmaids 20:00 The Story Of God With Morgan 14:00 Pele: Birth Of A Legend 20:00 Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway 13:55 Say Yes To The Dress Freeman 16:00 Rosewater 21:15 It's Not Rocket Science 14:45 Little Miss Atlanta 20:50 Origins: The Journey Of Humankind 17:45 Quiz Show 22:10 5 Star Family Reunion 15:35 My Big Fat Fabulous Life 21:40 Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey 20:00 Lucky Them 23:05 Coronation Street 16:00 My Big Fat Fabulous Life 22:30 Air Crash Investigation 22:00 A Late Quartet 23:30 Coronation Street 16:25 My Big Fat Fabulous Life 00:15 World's Best Beaches 23:20 Lawless Island 23:50 Coronation Street 16:50 My Big Fat Fabulous Life 01:05 Bangkok Airport 17:15 My Big Fat Fabulous Life 01:55 Confucius Was A Foodie 17:40 Oprah: Where Are They Now? 02:45 Chasing The Sun 18:30 Iyanla: Fix My Life 03:10 Chasing The Sun 19:20 Say Yes To The Dress 03:35 Eat Street 20:10 Save My Style 04:00 Eat Street 00:45 Yugo & Lala 2 20:35 Save My Style 04:25 Eat Street 00:20 Revenge Of The Lioness 02:15 Hotel For Dogs 00:00 America: The Story Of The U.S. 21:00 Oprah: Where Are They Now? 04:50 The Best Job In The World 01:10 Animals Gone Wild Compilations 04:15 Oops Noah Is Gone 01:00 Ancient Discoveries 21:50 Iyanla: Fix My Life 05:20 Access 360 World Heritage 02:00 World's Deadliest Killers 06:00 Evolution Man 02:00 Brad Meltzer's Decoded 22:40 90 Days To Wed 06:15 Charlie Luxton's Homes By The Med 02:50 Killer Dragons 07:45 The Boxcar Children 02:50 Ancient Aliens 23:30 Botched Up Bodies WHAT’S ON SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2017

ICSK holds nursery graduation day

CSK Junior held the Nursery Graduation such as spending quality time, listening to IDay on March 15, 2017 in the school prem- kids with patience, respect towards kids and ises. 235 proud and bubbly children gradu- being a role model to their kids. ated to class I. The esteemed guest Dr. The UKG choir enthralled the audience Subramaniam Neelamani, Senior Research with a melodious song which was followed Scientist with Coastal Management Program, by a foot tapping dance by the LKG Students. Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research graced Chief Guest Dr. S Neelamani spoke about the the occasion. The ceremony was well attend- role of parents in helping children bloom and ed by the parents and well wishers. The pro- grow and congratulated the graduates in gram commenced with the recitation of the reaching a very memorable milestone of Verses from the Holy Quran followed by the learning. The graduates expressed their grati- Indian and Kuwait National Anthems. tude to the teachers for their support, guid- The auspicious lamp of knowledge was lit ance and encouragement extended through- by the distinguished guest escorted by out the year. Vice Principal, Sheeja rendered Principal Incharge, Sherly Dennis and Vice the vote of thanks. She appreciated and Principal, Sheeja C. Sherly Dennis welcomed thanked the entire team for their hard work, the gathering. She addressed about the dedication and commitment towards making importance of parenting and highlighted on the event a memorable one. the behavior of parents towards their children Kuwait National English School Primary celebrates Sports Day

uwait National English School Primary was the winning team in KS2. These teams KDepartment celebrated its Annual Sports received the trophy for best overall perform- Days for KS1 on Sunday, March 5, 2017 ance and each pupil from the winning houses and KS2 on March 7, 2017. The focus was on received medals. Athletics, Benchball, Unihoc, Swimming, P E Games and Football. Activities tested the pupils’ skills, motor control, vision, awareness, Disilva T John Roy Abraham Sirajudheen P I speed, dynamic balance etc. Overall, the Sports Day was designed to get all pupils active whilst enjoying the challenge of competing against FOCUS elects new their peers and working in teams. Pupils at Kuwait National English School thoroughly enjoyed all activities and a good office-bearers spirit of sportsmanship prevailed amongst all participants throughout the day. The values of OCUS is an 11-year-old association among five hundred plus steadfast mem- success and failure are an invaluable lesson Fof Indian CADD professionals in bers and unanimously selected 16 mem- experienced by all and the ability to deal with Kuwait registered with the Indian bers Executive Committee and 32 members this is invaluable in all aspects of school and Embassy. FOCUS conducted its 11th Working Committee for the year 2016-17. outside life. The best participants from each annual general body meeting (AGM) on Through a democratic procedure the AGM year group at KNES were selected for each March 31, 2017 at Saradhi Auditorium, elected the following persons as the new activity and presented with medals. The win- Abbasiya. The meeting was attended by a office-bearers of FOCUS. ning team in KS1 was London and Cambridge large number of FOCUS members from all the sixteen units of FOCUS. A details President: Disilva T John, annual report for the working year 2016- General Secretary: Roy Abraham 17 and Income and Expenditure state- Treasurer: Sirajudheen P I South African Embassy ment was presented and was unanimous- Vice President: Malayil Mohammed Iqbal ly approved after discussions. Joint Secretary: Rajeev C Ramachandran closed on Easter Sunday The meeting reiterated the objectives of Joint Treasurer: Shaiju M Jose FOCUS to empower the CADD professionals Advisory Board: Thampi Lukose, Shaji n the occasion of Easter Sunday, the South African Embassy will be closed on in Kuwait through zonal wise learning ses- Thankachan and Salim Raj OSunday, April 16, 2017 (tomorrow). The Embassy will resume its normal working sions and seminars apart of Art-Cultural- Auditors: Ratheesh Kumar S, Joji V Alex hours on Monday, April 17, 2017, from Sunday to Thursday. Please note that offi- Sports and charitable activities. The AGM Women Executive: Bindhu Mol, Aparna cial office hours from 8.00 am to 4.00 pm and the Consular Section operation hours will be pledged to promote unity and harmony Unnikrishnan from 8.30 am to 12.30 pm. WHAT’S ON SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2017

ZugZwang academy celebrates closing ceremony of Kuwait WizKid Spring Camp 2017

ugZwang Academy celebrated the closing cere- Zmony of Kuwait WizKid Spring Camp 2017 on March 30, 2017 at Indian Community School - Junior Branch in Salmiya. This was an intellectual development program attended by more than 50 children from age 5 to 13 years learning life skills through games and puzzles in Chess, Robotics, Problem Solving and Rubik’s Cube. The children and parents who attended this novel concept in Kuwait confirmed that the children learn important skills like planning, organizing, pattern recognition and memory skills at this fun filled camp and it was the best use of time in these holidays. An exhibition Chess match was organized as a part of the closing ceremony demonstrating a fresh view to the age old game of Chess and its possibilities of skill development. ZugZwang Academy’s head chess coach Praveen Sagar (FIDE rating of 2300+) challenged 20 players simultaneously and won against all of them within 1 hour. The best three opponents were honored at the closing ceremony along with certificate awarding to the students by Bharat Divyang, Founder CEO of ZugZwang Academy in the presence of parents and several prominent members of Indian Community in Kuwait. At the event, ZugZwang Academy from Bangalore announced their Summer Camp for students in July- August 2017. Students can benefit from programs including Chess, Robotics, Problem Solving, Rubik’s Cube, Scratch Coding, Math and language programs at the ZugZwang Academy Campus planned to open by end of August 2017. HEALTH SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2017 Dutch panda mania as giant bears arrive from China

THE HAGUE: Two giant pandas arrived by plane at Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport Wednesday after a marathon 8,000 kilometer journey from China, the first breeding pair on Dutch soil in three decades. Female panda Wu Wen (Beautiful Powerful Cloud) and her male companion Xing Ya (Elegant Star) touched down at Schiphol at around 1730 GMT after leaving Chengdu in central China more than 10 hours earlier. A giant television screen showed the pandas being lowered onto the tarmac from a passenger jet operated by Dutch national carrier KLM, surrounded by Dutch border police. Later they were put on display for more than 100 journalists and guests straining to catch a glimpse of the two animals in their specialized cages which included see-through plexiglass. “I’m so happy so many friends have come to welcome my two new colleagues,” China’s ambassador to The Netherlands Wu Ken told the crowd, speaking in Dutch. “This is a huge step in bilateral relations between China and The Netherlands,” Wu said. The pandas are headed for the Ouwehands Dierenpark zoo in Rhenen, where they’ll stay on loan for the next 15 years as part of the park’s Asian exhibition. The park has built a special enclosure for the two pandas at a cost of around seven million euros ($7.4 million), Dutch media reported Wednesday. This includes separate indoor and outdoor spaces, night accommodation, a nursery, a cold SHANGHAI: This file photo shows a man grinding out his cigarette in an ashtray at a railway station in Shanghai.—AFP store for their bamboo food supply, a special veterinary clinic and an area for their full-time keepers, the Ouwehands zoo Smoking to kill 200 million said in a statement. “A warm welcome awaits them, which will naturally be in an entirely panda-themed manner,” the park added. The pandas will be housed at the park at a cost of around one million in China this century: WHO dollars per year for the rest of their stay, Dutch daily tabloid Algemeen Dagblad reported. The Ouwehands zoo said it “will China, world’s largest consumer, producer of tobacco make a substantial financial contribution each year to support nature-protection activities in China.” BEIJING: Smoking-related diseases will death rate] and introduce more progres- cating poverty nationwide by 2020. The The zoo, with help from the Dutch government, has been claim 200 million lives in China this cen- sive policies, the consequences could be organizations recommended a smoke- negotiating for 16 years to bring the pandas to The tury and plunge tens of millions into devastating not just for the health of free policy across the country akin to Netherlands. The deal to bring the pandas to The Netherlands poverty, a report said yesterday. China is people across the country, but also for laws in Beijing and Shanghai, where was clinched during a state visit to China by Dutch King the world’s largest consumer and pro- China’s economy as a whole,” WHO smoking is banned in most public Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima in October 2015, the ducer of tobacco and the industry pro- China representative Bernhard places. However, enforcing anti-smok- zoo added. Meanwhile, panda mania has gripped The vides the government with colossal Schwartlander said in a statement. The ing measures can be difficult in China as Netherlands ahead of the bears’ arrival, with Dutch newspa- sums. In 2015, it recorded 1.1 trillion calculation includes both the direct the state-owned China National pers devoting pages of space to the bears’ arrival and the yuan ($160 billion) in profits, up 20 per- costs of treating tobacco-related illness Tobacco Corp, which enjoys a near- hashtags #Pandas #pandakoorts (panda fever) trending on cent year-on-year. and the indirect costs such as lost work monopoly, shares offices and senior offi- the Dutch Twitter feed. But a report by the World Health productivity. cials with the national tobacco regula- The last time there were pandas in The Netherlands was in Organization (WHO) and United Nations “The rapid increase in costs associated tor. The report also urged further raising 1987, when two giant pandas were on show at a Dutch safari Development Program (UNDP) said yes- with tobacco use in China is unsustain- tobacco taxes to make smoking less park for four months. An expectant Dutch public however will terday that the Asian giant will suffer an able,” Schwartlander added. Twenty- affordable. have to wait to catch a glimpse of the animals: the bears will economic toll if it does not urgently eight percent of all adults and 50 percent While retail tobacco prices now be kept in quarantine for up to the six weeks before an reduce its smoking population. The of men in China are estimated to smoke increased following a taxation hike in official opening date, yet to be announced.—AFP paper-called “The Bill China Cannot regularly. Rural-to-urban migrants are 2015, the average price of a cigarette Afford”-estimated that the total annual more likely to be smokers, the report pack remains just ten yuan. A 50 per- economic cost of tobacco use in the said, adding that they risk descending cent increase in the retail price of ciga- country in 2014 was 350 billion yuan, up into poverty when smoking-related med- rettes would prevent 20 million pre- tenfold from 2000. ical costs become too great-a reality at mature deaths over 50 years, the “If nothing is done to reduce [the odds with the government goal of eradi- report said.—AFP US doctor charged with genital mutilation on girls NEW YORK: A US doctor in Detroit has been arrested and in this country, and will use the full power of the law to charged with carrying out female genital mutilation on girls ensure that no girls suffer such physical and emotional aged six to eight, prosecutors said Thursday. Emergency room abuse.” “The practice has no place in modern society and doctor Jumana Nagarwala, 44, of Northville, Michigan, is those who perform FGM on minors will be held accountable accused of carrying out the widely condemned practice-illegal under federal law,” said acting US Attorney Daniel Lemisch. In in the United States-for 12 years from a medical office in 2006, a court in Georgia found a man guilty of sexually muti- Livonia, Michigan. She appeared in a US federal court in Detroit lating his two-year-old daughter with a pair of scissors, in on Thursday and was remanded into custody until at least what was then the first recorded case of female genital muti- Monday, said a spokeswoman for the US attorney’s office. lation in the United States. The Ethiopian immigrant was sen- If convicted at trial she faces a maximum sentence of life tenced to 10 years in prison for aggravated battery and cruel- behind bars. Congress passed a law in 1996 making it illegal ty to children for the 2001 crime. The Centers for Disease to perform genital mutilation or cutting in the United States Control and Prevention estimated that 513,000 women and on anyone under than 18. Twenty-five US states also have girls in the United States in 2012 were at risk of or had been laws prohibiting the practice. Prosecutors in Michigan say subjected to female genital mutilation or cutting. they believe it is the first case of its kind brought under the The estimate was three times higher than one based on federal law. Some of Nagarwala’s victims traveled from out- 1990 data, due to increased immigration from countries side Michigan and were told not to talk about the procedure, where genital mutilation is practiced. Globally, at least 200 prosecutors said. million girls and women alive today have suffered some “Dr Nagarwala is alleged to have performed horrifying acts form of female genital mutilation across 30 countries, of brutality on the most vulnerable victims,” said acting according to the United Nations. While concentrated in SCHIPHOL, Netherlands: Wu Wen, one of the panda cubs, Assistant Attorney General Kenneth Blanco. “The Department Africa, it is common in some communities in Asia, Arab is pictured as they are introduced to the public at Schiphol of Justice is committed to stopping female genital mutilation states and Latin America. —AFP airport in Amsterdam after arriving from China.—AFP HEALTH SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2017 Swiss oasis for legal cannabis, without the high

LAUSANNE: A grey-haired woman Taxed liked tobacco around 10,000 square meters of in her early 60s daintily lifts small It has taken years for the low- outdoor growing space and plans trays topped with different varieties potency cannabis business to devel- to soon triple the 800 square meters of marijuana to her nose, sniffing op and demand to grow, but it has indoors. “Demand in Europe is each of them carefully. “Which one recently shops like DrGreen have very big, and we’re the only country would you recommend for some- been booming. Monot and his part- at the moment that has laws that one with medical issues?” she asks ner launched in December and are make this possible,” Serra di salesman Paul Monot, co-founder of already raking in sales of up to Cassano said. the DrGreen shop in western 100,000 Swiss francs ($99,500, Canada has just unveiled legisla- Switzerland. Posters of bright green 93,400 euros) a month. Swiss media tion to fully legalize recreational cannabis plants advertise its wares, have cited estimates that sales of marijuana use, making it only the which, like those sold openly in a legal cannabis are currently about second country to do so, after growing number of shops across 100 million Swiss francs annually. Uruguay. For many, the Swiss offer Switzerland, are completely legal. Trade really took off after health seems too good to be true. “So this There is a catch however: They authorities in February ordered the stuff is 100 percent legal?” asks a won’t make you high. “There is no low-THC cannabis be taxed like man in his 20s with several visible psychotropic effect of our weed,” tobacco and carry similar health piercings and tattoos as he sniffs says Monot, at his store in warnings, making it clear just how the DrGreen Skunk. “Can I smoke it Lausanne. On display are four vari- legal the product is. on the street?” eties of legal cannabis boasting “For the past month or so, it has Monot says he spends much of familiar names such as Skunk and just been exploding,... and we’re his time advising customers how to Purple Haze, and an identical surfing the wave,” Monot told AFP. use his products without getting appearance and smell as their illegal Aziza, 37, said she only discovered a into trouble. If police are suspicious, counterparts. Since 2011, cannabis few weeks ago that legal cannabis they can demand to test the containing up to one percent was on sale in shops near her cannabis in a laboratory for THC lev- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) — the Geneva home. “I love this stuff,” she els and hand the bill to the user if it component that gets recreational said, adding she had become is above one percent, along with a users high-can be sold and con- increasingly concerned about the fine for illegal possession. Monot sumed legally in the wealthy Alpine rising THC-levels in the illegal prod- urges the man to smoke discreetly country. uct she liked to smoke. “With this and suggests he hold onto his That compares to a 0.2-percent stuff, I feel the same relaxation as receipt, pointing out that as long as limit in most European countries, before, but since there is no high, I the seal on the plastic container is which effectively blocks all sale of can still get things done and play not broken, the product inside is LAUSANNE: Dried flower buds of legal cannabis are photographed at cannabis flowers since crossbreed- with my kids,” she said. guaranteed to be legal. Dr Green shop in Lausanne.—AFP ing plants to consistently contain nervous system, but without any Wild West below that level of THC has so far Sort of oasis Calming psychoactive effects,” Serra di KannaSwiss specializes in mak- proved impossible. Switzerland was Monot buys the cannabis he sells The cannabis plants KannaSwiss Cassano said. Many people also buy ing CBD oil, also used for therapeu- eager to enable large-scale produc- in bulk from a producer in northern and others specialise in are bred not the low-potency cannabis to help tic and relaxation purposes, which tion of non-drug cannabis, especial- Switzerland, KannaSwiss, which has only to have low THC levels but also wean themselves off the illegal vari- sells for between 17 and 50 francs a ly to exploit another active compo- also seen an explosion in sales. high levels of CBD. CBD is consid- ety. Legal cannabis currently sells gram depending on its concentra- nent, cannabidiol (CBD), used in a “Switzerland has become sort of an ered anti-inflammatory and to have for between seven and 18 Swiss tion. But while that business is range of products, from cosmetics oasis” for legal cannabis, said numerous potential therapeutic francs a gram, on a par with the booming, Serra di Cassano says the to pet food, and increasingly valued KannaSwiss co-founder Corso Serra benefits, such as for panic attacks or street price for the THC-loaded ille- regulation of legalized cannabis is for its potential health benefits. di Cassano. KannaSwiss counts as pain relief. “It really calms the gal marijuana. not yet tight enough. —AFP HEALTH SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2017 Swiss oasis for legal cannabis, without the high

Indian Passport No. L3465768 CHANGE OF NAME and Civil ID No. 276070402459 has changed my name to KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY Khalilullah Nawabjan Shaikh, (13/04/2017 TO 19/04/2017) The public is hereby notified hereinafter in all my dealings that ANNALEE VILLAREAL HER- and documents. NANDEZ has filed with the (C 5294) Embassy of the Republic of the SHARQIA-1 FAST & FURIOUS 8 12:45 AM GOING IN STYLE 11:30 PM Philippines, State of Kuwait, a FEIN QALBY 12:00 PM Migrant Petition for Change of SITUATION WANTED MARINA-1 AL-KOUT.1 FEIN QALBY 2:15 PM First Name of her daughter, from RABBIT SCHOOL 4:30 PM FEIN QALBY 12:15 PM SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE 11:30 AM LIRY to LYRA ABBYGAIL in the Looking for job as procure- SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE 6:15 PM RABBIT SCHOOL 2:30 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 1:30 PM Report of Birth filed with the ment/ business develop- FEIN QALBY 8:15 PM RABBIT SCHOOL 4:15 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 4:15 PM Embassy on 11 April 2017 under ment/ commercial executive. GOING IN STYLE 10:30 PM SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE 6:00 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 7:00 PM Registry Number 2012-4140291. Experienced in industrial and SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE 8:00 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 9:45 PM FEIN QALBY 12:30 AM Any person having knowledge construction equipment as FEIN QALBY 10:00 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 12:30 AM and/or claiming interest or may well as electrical and hand SHARQIA-2 FEIN QALBY 12:15 AM be adversely affected by said tools. Can join immediately. SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE 11:45 AM AL-KOUT.2 Petition, file a written opposition Contact: 55276407, email: FAST & FURIOUS 8 1:45 PM MARINA-2 FAST & FURIOUS 8 11:45 AM with the Philippine Embassy [email protected] FAST & FURIOUS 8 4:30 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 1:00 PM RABBIT SCHOOL 2:30 PM within ten (10) working days. (C 5295) 13-4-2017 (C 5296) FAST & FURIOUS 8 7:15 PM SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE 1:45 PM RABBIT SCHOOL 4:15 PM I, Khalilulla 15-4-2017 FAST & FURIOUS 8 10:00 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 3:45 PM Nabujan Sayyed s/o FAST & FURIOUS 8 6:00 PM Nawabjan Shaikh, holder of FAST & FURIOUS 8 12:45 AM FAST & FURIOUS 8 6:30 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 8:45 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 9:15 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 11:30 PM SHARQIA-3 FAST & FURIOUS 8 12:05 AM FAST & FURIOUS 8 12:45 PM AL-KOUT.3 PRAYER TIMINGS MARINA-3 GOING IN STYLE 1:30 PM GOING IN STYLE 12:30 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 3:30 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 12:00 PM Fajr: 04:00 GOING IN STYLE 2:30 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 6:15 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 2:45 PM THE BELKO EXPERIMENT 4:30 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 9:00 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 5:30 PM Shorook 05:22 SAFRA 5 NJOOM 6:30 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 11:45 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 8:15 PM Special Show “FAST & FURIOUS 8” 8:15 PM SAFRA 5 NJOOM 8:30 PM Duhr: 11:48 MUHALAB-1 FAST & FURIOUS 8 11:00 PM SAFRA 5 NJOOM 10:30 PM FEIN QALBY 11:45 AM THE BELKO EXPERIMENT 12:30 AM Asr: 15:22 FEIN QALBY 2:00 PM AVENUES-1 BAIRAQ-1 RABBIT SCHOOL 2:15 PM RABBIT SCHOOL 12:00 PM Maghrib: 18:14 RABBIT SCHOOL 4:15 PM RABBIT SCHOOL 2:00 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 12:00 PM SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE- Arabic 6:00 PM RABBIT SCHOOL 3:45 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 2:45 PM Isha: 19:34 SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE 8:00 PM RABBIT SCHOOL 5:30 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 5:30 PM FEIN QALBY 10:00 PM SAFRA 5 NJOOM 7:30 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 8:15 PM FEIN QALBY 12:15 AM SAFRA 5 NJOOM 9:45 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 11:00 PM SAFRA 5 NJOOM 12:15 AM MUHALAB-2 BAIRAQ-2 FAST & FURIOUS 8 12:15 PM AVENUES-2 FAST & FURIOUS 8 11:30 AM Sabah Hospital 24812000 FAST & FURIOUS 8 3:00 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8-2D-4DX 1:00 PM RABBIT SCHOOL 3:00 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 5:45 PM SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE -3D-4DX 1:45 PM RABBIT SCHOOL 4:45 PM Amiri Hospital 22450005 FAST & FURIOUS 8 8:30 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8-2D-4DX 3:45 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 6:30 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8-2D-4DX 6:30 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 11:15 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 9:15 PM Maternity Hospital 24843100 FAST & FURIOUS 8-2D-4DX 9:15 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 12:05 AM MUHALAB-3 FAST & FURIOUS 8-2D-4DX 12:05 AM Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital 25312700 FAST & FURIOUS 8 11:30 AM BAIRAQ-3 SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE 2:00 PM AVENUES-3 Chest Hospital 24849400 FAST & FURIOUS 8 4:00 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 11:45 AM FEIN QALBY 11:45 AM FAST & FURIOUS 8 6:45 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 2:30 PM SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE 2:00 PM Farwaniya Hospital 24892010 FAST & FURIOUS 8 9:30 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 5:45 PM SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE- Arabic 4:00 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 12:15 AM FAST & FURIOUS 8 8:30 PM SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE 6:00 PM Adan Hospital 23940620 FAST & FURIOUS 8 11:15 PM SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE 8:00 PM Ibn Sina Hospital 24840300 FANAR-1 FEIN QALBY 10:00 PM AVENUES-4 FEIN QALBY 12:00 PM FEIN QALBY 12:15 AM Al-Razi Hospital 24846000 FEIN QALBY 2:30 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 12:00 PM FEIN QALBY 4:45 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 2:45 PM PLAZA Physiotherapy Hospital 24874330/9 FEIN QALBY 7:00 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 5:30 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 4:00 PM FEIN QALBY 9:15 PM Special Show “SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE” NO FRI+SAT+MON FEIN QALBY 11:30 PM 5:30 PM THE GREAT FATHER- Malayalam 3:45 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 8:15 PM FRI+SAT+MON FANAR-2 FAST & FURIOUS 8 11:00 PM Kaizen center 25716707 THE GREAT FATHER- Malayalam 6:45 PM GOING IN STYLE 12:30 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 9:45 PM Rawda 22517733 SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE 2:30 PM 360º 1 FAST & FURIOUS 8 11:30 AM GOING IN STYLE 2:30 PM LAILA Adaliya 22517144 SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE 4:30 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 2:15 PM GOING IN STYLE 3:15 PM SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE 6:30 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 5:00 PM Khaldiya 24848075 SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE 8:30 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 7:45 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 5:15 PM GOING IN STYLE 10:30 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 10:30 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 8:00 PM Kaifan 24849807 GOING IN STYLE 12:30 AM GET OUT 1:15 AM FAST & FURIOUS 8 10:45 PM Shamiya 24848913 FANAR-3 360º- 2 AJIAL.1 KONG: SKULL ISLAND 1:00 PM AFTERMATH 1:30 PM THE GREAT FATHER- Malayalam 3:30 PM Shuwaikh 24814507 RABBIT SCHOOL 1:30 PM THE GREAT FATHER- Malayalam 3:45 PM THE GREAT FATHER- Malayalam 6:30 PM Abdullah Salem 22549134 RABBIT SCHOOL 3:30 PM THE GREAT FATHER- Malayalam 6:45 PM THE GREAT FATHER- Malayalam 9:30 PM RABBIT SCHOOL 5:15 PM THE GREAT FATHER- Malayalam 9:45 PM Special Show “THE GREAT FATHER- Malayalam” Nuzha 22526804 KONG: SKULL ISLAND 7:00 PM THU+FRI+MON 9:30 PM THE BELKO EXPERIMENT 9:30 PM KONG: SKULL ISLAND 9:45 PM Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 THE BELKO EXPERIMENT 11:15 PM NO THU+FRI+MON AJIAL.2 THE BELKO EXPERIMENT 1:00 AM AFTERMATH 12:45 AM Qadsiya 22515088 FAST & FURIOUS 8 4:00 PM FANAR-4 360º- 3 FAST & FURIOUS 8 6:45 PM Dasmah 22532265 FAST & FURIOUS 8 9:45 PM SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE 11:45 AM GOING IN STYLE 12:15 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 1:45 PM GOING IN STYLE 2:30 PM Bneid Al-Gar 22531908 FAST & FURIOUS 8 4:30 PM GOING IN STYLE 4:45 PM AJIAL.3 Shaab 22518752 FAST & FURIOUS 8 7:15 PM GOING IN STYLE 7:00 PM RABBIT SCHOOL 4:15 PM NAAM SHABANA -Hindi 6:00 PM FAST & FURIOUS 8 10:00 PM AKHER DEEK FE MASR -Arabic 9:15 PM Qibla 22459381 information SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2017 DIAL 161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION

Arrival Flights on Saturday 15/4/2017 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 Airlines Flt Route Time GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 KAC 101 London 09:45 MSC 501 Alexandria 00:05 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:35 UAE 856 Dubai 09:50 THY 772 Istanbul 00:10 JZR 177 Dubai 17:45 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:00 SVA 514 Riyadh 00:25 SVA 500 Jeddah 18:00 KAC 541 Cairo 10:00 JZR 267 Beirut 00:35 QTR 1080 Doha 18:05 KAC 617 Doha 10:15 KAC 102 London 00:55 MSR 620 Cairo 18:30 FDB 056 Dubai 10:25 MSR 618 Alexandria 00:55 CLX 856 Luxembourg 18:50 KAC 153 Istanbul 10:30 DLH 635 Doha 01:00 KAC 1544 Cairo 19:05 QTR 1071 Doha 10:35 PGT 858 Istanbul 01:15 UAE 875 Dubai 19:05 SVA 513 Riyadh 11:00 JZR 539 Cairo 01:25 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:05 IRM 1189 Mashhad 11:10 SAI 441 Lahore 01:30 FDB 063 Dubai 19:10 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:35 UAE 853 Dubai 01:40 ABY 123 Sharjah 19:20 VIZ 201 IQA 12:00 RJA 642 Amman 01:45 KAC 174 Munich 19:25 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:00 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 01:50 KAC 154 Istanbul 19:30 RBG 554 Alexandria 12:10 KKK 6506 Istanbul 01:55 KAC 674 Dubai 19:40 JZR 176 Dubai 13:10 KAC 786 Jeddah 02:00 KAC 620 Doha 19:50 JZR 786 Riyadh 13:10 KLM 446 Bahrain 02:05 FDB 057 Dubai 19:50 PAL 669 Manila 13:10 QTR 1086 Doha 02:05 KAC 776 Riyadh 19:50 THY 767 Istanbul 13:45 JZR 553 Alexandria 02:10 OMA 647 Muscat 20:05 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:15 KNE 381 Taif 20:10 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 KAC 418 Manila 02:50 DLH 634 Frankfurt 20:15 IAW 158 Al Najaf 14:25 OMA 643 Muscat 03:05 MEA 402 Beirut 20:15 KNE 382 Taif 15:00 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:10 JZR 189 Dubai 20:25 KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 MSR 612 Cairo 03:15 QTR 1088 Doha 20:35 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:05 FDB 069 Dubai 03:15 KAC 616 Bahrain 20:40 FDB 060 Dubai 15:10 PGT 860 Istanbul 03:25 KAC 514 Tehran 20:55 QTR 1079 Doha 15:15 QTR 1076 Doha 03:40 KAC 564 Amman 21:00 IRC 527 Mashhad 15:30 UAE 873 Dubai 04:15 KAC 168 Paris 21:05 KAC 563 Amman 15:40 KAC 344 Ahmedabad 04:15 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:10 JZR 188 Dubai 15:50 KAC 366 Colombo 04:20 ALK 229 Colombo 21:15 KAC 775 Riyadh 15:50 KAC 544 Cairo 04:20 KLM 445 Amsterdam 21:15 KNE 530 Jeddah 15:55 KAC 358 Kochi 04:50 UAE 859 Dubai 21:15 KNE 684 Madinah 16:00 KAC 784 Jeddah 05:00 FDB 8053 Dubai 21:25 KAC 619 Doha 16:00 THY 770 Istanbul 05:05 KAC 676 Dubai 21:35 KAC 1543 Cairo 16:00 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:10 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:50 OMA 646 Muscat 16:10 JZR 529 Asyut 05:35 QTR 1082 Doha 22:00 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:15 BAW 157 London 06:05 NIA 161 Cairo 22:10 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 16:20 KAC 204 Lahore 06:20 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:10 KAC 513 Tehran 16:30 KAC 284 Dhaka 06:35 AIC 987 Chennai/Hyderabad 22:25 SAW 708 KAC 16:50 KAC 206 Islamabad 06:40 KNE 533 Jeddah 22:45 MSR 576 Sharm el-Sheikh 16:50 KAC 302 Mumbai 06:55 JZR 241 Amman 22:55 FDK 802 Damascus 16:55 JZR 503 Luxor 07:25 JZR 185 Dubai 22:55 SVA 505 Madinah 16:55 FDB 053 Dubai 07:50 JAI 574 Mumbai 23:00 RJA 641 Amman 16:55 KAC 384 Delhi 08:00 THY 764 Istanbul 23:05 KAC 675 Dubai 17:00 KAC 332 Trivandrum 08:05 MSC 405 Sohag 23:30 KAC 331 Trivandrum 17:00 UAE 855 Dubai 08:25 FDB 071 Dubai 23:35 FDB 052 Dubai 17:05 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 08:55 KAC 361 Colombo 17:10 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 Departure Flights on Saturday 15/4/2017 JZR 266 Beirut 17:15 QTR 1070 Doha 09:20 Airlines Flt Route Time KAC 503 Beirut 17:15 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 AIC 976 Goa/Chennai 00:05 QTR 1073 Doha 17:25 IRM 1188 Mashhad 09:55 BBC 044 Dhaka 00:10 KNE 532 Jeddah 17:25 SVA 512 Riyadh 10:00 JAI 573 Mumbai 00:30 JZR 240 Amman 17:30 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 FDB 072 Dubai 00:30 KAC 615 Bahrain 17:30 PAL 668 Manila 11:00 PIA 240 Sialkot 01:00 UAE 858 Dubai 17:40 JZR 325 Al Najaf 11:10 MSC 502 Alexandria 01:05 KAC 357 Kochi 17:40 KAC 614 Bahrain 11:15 JZR 502 Luxor 01:15 NIA 362 Alexandria 17:50 RBG 553 Alexandria 11:30 SVA 515 Riyadh 01:25 KAC 343 Chennai 18:00 KAC 742 Dammam 11:45 THY 773 Istanbul 01:40 KAC 283 Dhaka 18:00 JZR 165 Dubai 11:50 KAC 105 London 01:40 KAC 1541 Cairo 18:00 JZR 239 Amman 12:20 MSR 619 Alexandria 01:55 IRA 666 fahan 18:10 UAE 871 Dubai 12:45 KAC 363 Colombo 01:55 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 KAC 774 Riyadh 12:45 SAI 442 Lahore 02:30 JZR 184 Dubai 18:20 THY 766 Istanbul 12:50 PGT 859 Istanbul 02:35 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 THY 765 Istanbul 02:50 KAC 545 Cairo 18:35 KAC 662 Abu Dhabi 13:35 ETH 621 Addis Ababa 02:50 JZR 538 Cairo 18:35 KAC 672 Dubai 13:55 KKK 6505 Istanbul 02:55 KAC 785 Jeddah 18:45 KNE 231 Riyadh 14:10 KAC 351 Kochi 03:05 QTR 1081 Doha 19:15 KAC 364 Colombo 14:15 UAE 854 Dubai 03:30 JZR 552 Alexandria 19:20 KAC 352 Kochi 14:20 KLM 446 Amsterdam 03:30 KAC 343 Ahmedabad 19:20 FDB 059 Dubai 14:20 OMA 644 Muscat 04:05 SVA 501 Jeddah 19:30 GFA 221 Bahrain 14:20 QTR 1087 Doha 04:10 MSR 621 Cairo 19:30 KAC 618 Doha 14:20 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:10 GFA 218 Bahrain 19:50 KAC 512 Mashhad 14:25 MSR 613 Cairo 04:15 FDB 064 Dubai 19:50 IRC 526 Mashhad 14:30 KAC 417 Manila 04:20 ABY 124 Sharjah 20:00 KAC 540 Sharm el-Sheikh 14:35 PGT 861 Istanbul 04:25 CLX 856 Hong Kong 20:20 JZR 357 Mashhad 14:50 QTR 1077 Doha 05:35 FDB 058 Dubai 20:30 KAC 788 Jeddah 14:55 UAE 874 Dubai 06:15 UAE 876 Dubai 20:35 KNE 529 Jeddah 14:55 RJA 643 Amman 06:25 KAC 353 Bangalore 20:55 KAC 692 Muscat 14:55 THY 771 Istanbul 06:25 DLH 634 Doha 21:00 KNE 683 Madinah 15:05 GFA 212 Bahrain 06:50 OMA 648 Seeb International, Muscat 21:05 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 15:05 KAC 173 Munich 06:55 KNE 232 Riyadh 21:10 OMA 645 Muscat 15:10 JZR 238 Amman 06:55 JZR 124 Bahrain 21:15 KAC 562 Amman 15:10 FDB 070 Dubai 07:05 MEA 403 Beirut 21:15 KAC 412 Bangkok 15:30 JZR 164 Dubai 07:15 KAC 301 Mumbai 21:40 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:35 KAC 167 Paris 07:15 QTR 1089 Doha 21:45 KAC 118 New York 15:40 JZR 324 Al Najaf 07:45 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 KAC 613 Bahrain 07:55 KAC 205 Islamabad 21:55 SAW 705 Damascus 15:50 BAW 156 London 08:20 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:00 RJA 640 Amman 16:00 FDB 054 Dubai 08:30 KAC 155 Istanbul 22:15 SVA 504 Madinah 16:00 KAC 741 Dammam 08:30 ALK 230 Colombo 22:20 FDK 801 Damascus 16:00 KAC 773 Riyadh 08:35 KLM 445 Bahrain 22:25 MSR 575 Sharm el-Sheikh 16:10 KAC 511 Mashhad 08:35 FDB 8054 Dubai 22:25 FDB 051 Dubai 16:15 KAC 539 Sharm el-Sheikh 08:40 UAE 860 Dubai 22:35 QTR 1072 Doha 16:15 KAC 661 Abu Dhabi 09:00 KAC 383 Delhi 22:35 JZR 535 Cairo 16:20 KAC 117 New York 09:00 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:50 KAC 106 London 16:30 JZR 356 Mashhad 09:00 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:00 KNE 531 Jeddah 16:35 KAC 671 Dubai 09:15 NIA 162 Cairo 23:10 JZR 787 Riyadh 16:35 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:15 KAC 783 Jeddah 23:10 NIA 361 Alexandria 16:50 JZR 534 Cairo 09:30 QTR 1083 Doha 23:20 KAC 542 Cairo 17:05 KAC 561 Amman 09:30 KNE 534 Jeddah 23:35 IRA 669 Mashhad 17:10 KAC 691 Muscat 09:30 KAC 411 Bangkok 23:35 Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw) SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2017

2. Remove from memory or existence. WORDSEARCH PUZZLE 3. Place in a grave or tomb. CROSSWORD 1579 4. Rate of revolution of a motor. 5. A highly unstable radioactive element (the heaviest of the halogen series). 6. Being of the age 13 through 19. 7. A colorless and odorless inert gas. 8. A woman who is engaged to be married. 9. A tiny or scarcely detectable amount. 10. Extinct small freshwater jawless fish usually having a heterocercal tail and an armored head. 11. An alloy of mercury with another metal (usually silver) used by dentists to fill cavi- ties in teeth. 12. A selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitor commonly prescribed as an antidepres- sant (trade name Paxil). 13. Native to Egypt but cultivated widely for its aromatic seeds and the oil from them used medicinally and as a flavoring in cookery. 14. Device for resetting instruments or controls v 1. 19. Of or befitting or characteristic of a wife. 21. Water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere. 23. Type genus of the family Zygnemataceae. 26. A silvery soft waxy metallic element of the alkali metal group. 27. A system of timekeeping that defines the beginning and length and divisions of the year. 31. Tufted evergreen perennial herb having spikes of tiny white flowers and glossy green round to heart-shaped leaves that become coppery to maroon or purplish in fall. 33. Used chiefly as a direction or description in music. 36. Any of several coarse tall perennial grasses of most warm areas. 37. A sheet or band of fibrous connective tissue separating or binding together mus- cles and organs etc. 38. Make amendments to. 40. (Greek mythology) Goddess of the earth and mother of Cronus and the Titans in ancient mythology. 41. A quantity of no importance. 42. A hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck. 46. Edible starchy tuberous root of taro plants. ACROSS 48. Heater that removes ice or frost (as from a windshield or a refrigerator or the wings 1. Any of numerous hairy-bodied insects including social and solitary species. of an airplane). 4. Sweet liqueur made from wine and brandy flavored with plum or peach or apricot 53. Ctenophore having tentacles only in the immature stage. kernels and bitter almonds. 54. A loose sleeveless outer garment made from aba cloth. 11. South American armadillo with three bands of bony plates. 56. (informal) Of the highest quality. 15. Bulky grayish-brown eagle with a short wedge-shaped white tail. 59. A case or sheath especially a pollen sac or moss capsule. 16. The craniometric point in the region of the sphenoid fontanelle. 62. Large sweet juicy hybrid between tangerine and grapefruit having a thick wrinkled 17. Long coarse hair growing from the crest of the animal's neck. skin. 18. United States biochemist who discovered how genes act by regulating definite 63. Stairway in India leading down to a landing on the water. chemical events (1909-1975). 64. Type genus of the Nepidae. 20. The absence of mental stress or anxiety. 65. Divisible by two. 22. Type and only genus of the family Esocidae. 67. A small cake leavened with yeast. 24. Pronounce with a lowered velum. 68. Rounded like an egg. 25. Tasting sour like a lemon. 69. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake Chad. 28. A young pig. 72. A rapid bustling commotion. 29. (informal) Exceptionally good. 73. Lacking in light. 30. An island in the Aegean Sea in the Saronic Gulf. 75. Title for a civil or military leader (especially in Turkey). 32. Being or moving higher in position or greater in some value. 78. A silvery ductile metallic element found primarily in bauxite. 34. A soft heavy toxic malleable metallic element. 35. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake Chad. 39. Any of various plants of the genus Zigadenus having glaucous leaves and terminal racemes of mostly white flowers. Yesterday’s Solution 43. The most common computer memory which can be used by programs to perform necessary tasks while the computer is on. 44. Any of numerous local fertility and nature deities worshipped by ancient Semitic peoples. 45. A blanket that is used as a cloak or shawl. 47. Deduce (a principle) or construe (a meaning). Yesterday’s Solution 49. Used of a single unit or thing. 50. Large antelope with lightly spiraled horns of desert regions of North Africa. 51. Russian founder of the Bolsheviks and leader of the Russian Revolution and first head of the USSR (1870-1924). 52. Sluggish tailless Australian arboreal marsupial with gray furry ears and coat. 55. A river in north central Switzerland that runs northeast into the Rhine. 57. A Russian river. 58. A training program to prepare college students to be commissioned officers. 60. A heavy odorless colorless gas formed during respiration and by the decomposi- tion of organic substances. 61. North American plant having large leaves and yellowish green flowers growing in racemes. 66. (Greek mythology) The goddess of youth and spring. 70. Title for a civil or military leader (especially in Turkey). 71. Avoid or try to avoid, as of duties, questions and issues. 74. An anti-TNF compound (trade name Arava) that is given orally. 76. A thin strip (wood or metal). 77. A tricycle (usually propelled by pedalling). 79. Light informal conversation for social occasions. 80. Wife of Ramachandra. 81. Genus of beetles whose grubs feed mainly on roots of plants. 82. A flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of an organism. DOWN 1. Asian pepper plant whose dried leaves are chewed with betel nut (seed of the betel palm) by southeast Asians.

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution SPORTS SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2017 Mets beat Marlins in 16th inning

MIAMI: Travis d’Arnaud led off the 16th inning with a home run, giving him a career- high four hits, as the New York Mets beat the Miami Marlins 9-8 Thursday night for their fifth straight win. The game was the longest in the five-year history of Marlins Park. It took more than 5 1/2 hours and ended well past midnight. D’Arnaud also had a bases-loaded triple in the second and teammate Yoenis Cespedes had his second multihomer game in three nights. D’Arnaud’s homer came on the 475th pitch of the night and the first from Adam Conley (1-1). Marlins relievers retired 13 consecutive batters before the homer. Miami’s Marcell Ozuna hit a grand slam in the first inning, increasing his RBI total to 16, the most in the majors. Neither team had a runner in scoring position in extra innings until Miami’s 15th. Miguel Rojas led off with a single and advanced on a sacrifice but was stranded by Hansel Robles (2-0), who pitched two scoreless innings.

CUBS 4, DODGERS 0 Brett Anderson beat his former team with five solid innings and center fielder Albert Almora Jrmade two outstanding catches against the ivy to lead the Cubs past the Los Angeles Dodgers. Anderson (1-0) won in his Wrigley Field debut for the Cubs. The lefty lowered his ERA to 0.84 through two starts with his new club. Anderson, the only member of the Cubs without a World Series ring after Wednesday’s celebration, allowed three hits but walked four. He stranded seven runners, helped by Almora’s defense. Anthony Rizzo and Addison Russell hit long solo home runs, their first of the season. Both came off Hyun-Jin Ryu (0-2). Rizzo’s drive to right field in the first inning opened the scoring and sent a fan’s beer all over the bleachers. Russell’s homer to left in the fourth landed on Waveland Avenue. MIAMI: New York Mets’ Travis d’Arnaud (18) runs home to score the tying run as Miami Marlins catcher AJ Ellis waits for the throw during the eighth inning of a baseball game. — AP ROCKIES 3, GIANTS 1 RANGERS 8, ANGELS 3 back to retire the next three batters and earn Liriano (0-1) struck out 10 and gave up two Trevor Story hit a two-run homer as five Yu Darvish pitched seven scoreless innings his first save. Lorenzo Cain and Salvador Perez runs and five hits in 6 2/3 innings. Colorado pitchers combined on a five-hitter. and Carlos Gomez hit a leadoff homer in drove in runs off A’s starter Jesse Hahn (0-1) in Colorado starter Jon Gray left with a re-aggra- Texas’ victory over Los Angeles. Nomar the first, and Brandon Moss added a lazy sacri- WHITE SOX 10, INDIANS 4 vated toe injury after allowing one hit in Mazara also homered and Robinson Chirinos fice fly in the third. Tim Anderson homered on the game’s first three scoreless innings. Chris Rusin (1-0) drove in three runs to help the Rangers take pitch and Matt Davidson added a three-run pitched the next 3 1/3 innings, allowing one two of three from their AL West rivals. Darvish YANKEES 3, RAYS 2 shot in a five-run first inning as Chicago beat run and two hits. Adam Ottavino got four (1-1) struck out 10 and limited the Angels to Aaron Hicks homered twice, including a slumping Cleveland. The defending AL cham- straight outs, Mike Dunn got one more and five singles and two walks, improving to 8-2 in go-ahead, two-run drive in the seventh pion Indians have lost five of six after sweep- Greg Holland pitched the ninth for his sixth his career against the Angels. Danny Espinosa inning, as the Yankees moved above .500 for ing Texas to begin the season and dropped to straight save this season. Gray originally hurt hit a three-run homer with two outs in the the first time this season. Luis Severino (1-0) 4-5. Anderson hit Josh Tomlin’s first pitch the big toe on his left foot during spring ninth for the Angels. Ricky Nolasco (0-2) was struck out a career-high 11 in seven innings, onto the porch in left field while Davidson training. It was unclear whether he reinjured the loser. including four of his last five batters. The lined a two-out homer to right-center. Tomlin the toe during this game and the Rockies did Yankees completed a three-game sweep and (0-2) gave up seven runs in 1 2/3 innings. not immediately say whether he’ll miss his RED SOX 4, PIRATES 3 won their fourth in a row following a 1-4 start. Cleveland used five pitchers in the first eight next start. Story’s first home run of the season Xander Bogaerts’ RBI single capped a Hicks homered in the first off Matt Andriese innings, forcing infielder Michael Martinez to came with two outs in the fourth inning three-run rally in the eighth inning, lifting batting left-handed and connected right- work the ninth. Making his first career appear- against Giants starter Madison Bumgarner (0- Boston past Pittsburgh in a makeup game handed against Xavier Cedeno to erase a 2-1 ance on the mound, Martinez gave up a single 2), who allowed three runs and six hits in six from a rainout in the opening series. Boston deficit. Ronald Torreyes singled with one out but retired the other three hitters on innings. He struck out eight. ended up sweeping Pittsburgh in three in the seventh off Erasmo Ramirez and Rays grounders. Avisail Garcia was 3 for 4 with games after taking the first two games of the manager Kevin Cash brought in Cedeno (1-1), three RBIs. Anthony Swarzak (1-0) relieved TWINS 11, TIGERS 5 season. Matt Barnes (2-0) worked one inning the only lefty in his bullpen. Jacoby Ellsbury starter Miguel Gonzalez in the fifth and Max Kepler, Miguel Sano and Robbie of hitless relief, and Craig Kimbrel pitched the grounded into a forceout, and Hicks sent a allowed one hit in 1 2/3 innings. Grossman homered for Minnesota as the ninth for his third save. Juan Nicasio (0-2) was changeup into the left-field seats. Twins took advantage of an uncharacteristi- the loser. Andrew McCutchen homered for BREWERS 5, REDS 1 cally wild outing by Jordan Zimmermann. Pittsburgh. ORIOLES 2, BLUE JAYS 1 Ryan Braun and Eric Thames homered Zimmermann (1-1) allowed five runs and four Orioles closer Zach Britton escaped a nervy and Jimmy Nelson turned in his second hits in 4 2/3 innings, walking a career-high ROYALS 3, ATHLETICS 1 ninth inning as Baltimore handed Toronto its straight strong start as Milwaukee snapped five. Anibal Sanchez was even worse for the Jason Vargas carried a shutout into the sixth straight loss. The Blue Jays, off to a fran- Cincinnati’s four-game winning streak. At 5- Tigers in relief, allowing six runs in 1 1/3 eighth as Kansas City finally generated some chise-worst 1-8 start, also lost star slugger 5, the Brewers reached .500 for the first innings and letting two of Zimmermann’s early offense to snap an eight-game losing Josh Donaldson in the sixth when he aggra- time since last April. Nelson (1-0) gave up runners score on Kepler’s three-run homer in streak against the A’s. Vargas (2-0) scattered vated the sore right calf that kept him out of one run and five hits in seven innings, strik- the fifth. Grossman hit a two-run shot in the four hits and a walk over 7 2/3 innings, strik- Tuesday’s home opener. Kevin Gausman (1-0) ing out five without a walk. Last week third and Sano connected for a three-run ing out eight, in his second straight crisp per- pitched six innings for his first victory in nine against the Cubs, he threw six solid innings. homer in the sixth. Phil Hughes (2-0) allowed formance. The left-hander only allowed one career appearances at Rogers Centre. Britton Nelson also put down a sacrifice bunt in the four runs and five hits in 5 2/3 innings. Justin runner to reach second base in his longest took over in the ninth and put runners on sec- third that moved runners up to second and Haley worked the final 3 1/3 innings to earn outing since 2014, when Vargas shut out the ond and third before holding on for his fourth third to set up Jonathan Villar’s run-scoring his first career save, striking out six. Miguel Athletics at Kauffman Stadium. Kelvin Herrera save by retiring Kevin Pillar on a grounder groundout and Thames’ RBI single. Bronson Cabrera and Justin Upton each hit their first served up a homer to Rajai Davis and a dou- then getting pinch hitter and former team- Arroyo (0-2) allowed five runs and seven home run of the season for the Tigers. ble to Jed Lowrie in the ninth but bounced mate Steve Pearce on a flyball. Francisco hits in six innings. — AP SPORTS SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2017

Capitals defeat Maple Leafs, Predators beat Blackhawks

WASHINGTON: Toronto native Tom task in goal, stopping 35 of the 37 Viktor Arvidsson scored in the first the second period while captain Wilson scored his first NHL playoff goal shots he faced. Toronto counterpart period as Nashville beat Chicago in Ryan Getzlaf had a goal and an assist 5:15 into overtime as the Washington Frederik Andersen was arguably the Game 1 of their series. Rinne’s second to lead Anaheim in the series opener. Capitals survived a scare to beat the best player on the ice with 41 saves career postseason shutout sent Rickard Rakell scored the tying goal Maple Leafs 3-2 on Thursday night in before being beaten by Wilson with an Nashville to just its second playoff win after Calgary made a horrendous line Game 1 of their first-round playoff absurd shot on the winner. Mitch in Chicago in seven tries. The Predators change in the second period while series. The top-seeded Capitals came Marner and Jake Gardiner scored in the did not have a 1-0 victory during the John Gibson made 30 saves for the back from a two-goal deficit to take first period for Toronto, back in the regular season. Corey Crawford had 19 Ducks. Sean Monahan and Sam the early lead in the series and at least playoffs for the first time since saves for Chicago. Game 2 is Saturday Bennett scored and Brian Elliott momentarily stop the panic about a 2013.Game 2 is Saturday night in night at the United Center. stopped 38 shots for the wild-card slip-up. Justin Williams scored twice in Washington. Flames. Calgary is winless in regulation as Washington showed it DUCKS 3, FLAMES 2 Anaheim since 2006, when the could handle the adversity of falling PREDATORS 1, BLACKHAWKS 0 Jakob Silfverberg scored the Flames won a playoff game in a behind. Braden Holtby was up to the Pekka Rinne made 29 saves after tiebreaking power-play goal late in series won by the Ducks. — AP

Arena thinks US could win 2026 World Cup

NEW YORK: Bruce Arena looks into the future, thinks about the possibility of the US hosting the World Cup for the second time and believes the Americans could win the title. “I think in 2026 we’re going to be fully emerged into the game and a big player,” the US coach said Thursday. “So I think 2026 will be the time where we’re going to start talking about winning a World Cup. It wasn’t going to be in 1994. It wasn’t going to be in 2010, but 2026 could be our time.” Continued strides in player development leading up to the event is what he figures could allow that to become reality. The US had not played in the World Cup since 1950 when FIFA voted in 1988 to have the US host the ‘94 tournament, which drew more than 3.58 million fans and became the most-attended World Cup ever. The Americans have qualified for seven straight World Cups, and Arena coached them to the 2002 quarterfinals, the best American finish since they reached the semifinals of the first World Cup in 1930.

‘POLITICALLY CORRECT’ This week, the US Soccer Federation announced it intends to bid jointly to host the 2026 tournament with Mexico and Canada. Sixty matches would be in the US, with 10 each in the other countries. “Think about where we were in 1994, ‘98, 2000, and keep going, and just think about where we’ll be with even nine more in our league, even nine more years of players devel- SUZUKA: This is a Friday Oct 7, 2016 file photo of McLaren driver’s Jenson Button, left, of Britain and Fernando Alonso oping all over the world, and then play in the World Cup in our of Spain as they pose for a photo with their team in front of their pit lane garage ahead of the first practice session for country,” Arena said. While the joint bid is considered the the Japanese Formula One Grand Prix at the Suzuka International Circuit. — AP favorite, Arena said he wasn’t assuming the US will host because “we’re being politically correct in a time where you Point-seeking Button replaces don’t even need to be politically correct.” Arena coached the US from 1998-2006 and was rehired in November to replace Jurgen Klinsmann, fired following losses Alonso at Monaco Grand Prix to Mexico and Costa Rica in the first two games of the final round of World Cup qualifying in North and Central America SAKHIR: Veteran British driver Jenson Button will step in for that he race at Monaco,” McLaren’s racing director Eric Boullier and the Caribbean. The US rebounded in March to rout Fernando Alonso at the Monaco Grand Prix next month. said. “Jenson is a class act. He’s a superb driver, fast, smooth and Honduras 6-0 at home and draw 1-1 at Panama. Although the 37-year-old Button retired at the end of last sea- precise, and he won’t have lost any of his competitive edge over Next, the US hosts Trinidad and Tobago on June 8 and son, he is taking Alonso’s seat for this single race because the past few months. He’ll do a great job for us, I’m sure of that.” plays three days later at Mexico City. Mexico leads the hexago- McLaren has allowed the Spaniard to make his IndyCar debut at nal with 10 points, followed by Costa Rica (seven), Panama the Indianapolis 500 on May 28. Both races are on the same day. ‘GREAT FOR THE SPORT’ (five), the United States and Honduras (four each) and T&T “I’m thrilled to be making a one-off return to Formula 1 rac- Button’s farewell race at last season’s Abu Dhabi GP ended (three). The top three nations qualify for next year’s tourna- ing, and I couldn’t think of a better place to make that return,” badly when he had to retire with a suspension problem. ment in Russia, and the No. 4 finisher plays Asia’s fifth-place Button said in a team statement yesterday. “I’ve won the race Although Button, who is still contracted to McLaren, also has an team in a playoff for another berth. “We’re far from out of the before, in 2009, and it’s one of my all-time favorite racetracks. It’s option to drive for the team in 2018, he said at the time that he woods here,” Arena said. “We have, again, I think very little a tricky street circuit on which a good driver can really make a did not expect to come back. Button was widely expected to margin for error, so there’s a lot of urgency in these two difference and, although the McLaren-Honda MCL32 hasn’t take Alonso’s seat at Monaco. Other drivers were already saying games. ... Perhaps we’re not in as much trouble as we were the begun the season well, I think it may be more suited to Monaco how excited they were by his potential return, even before yes- last time but I don’t feel good about sitting with four points than to the faster circuits.” terday’s announcement. after four games.” Button is oozing confidence he will be fit enough despite the “I think it would be great for the sport to have Jenson back The team is tentatively scheduled to reconvene May 28 six-month gap from his last F1 race. “I’m supremely fit, having in,” said three-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton, who raced ahead of an exhibition in Sandy, Utah, followed by the qualifier done a lot of triathlon training recently, so I have no worries on alongside Button at McLaren before joining Mercedes in 2012. against Trinidad at Commerce City, Colorado. The Utah venue that score,” he said. “I’ll drive the MCL32 around Monaco in the “I like Jenson, I still think he is one of the best drivers ... his cal- is at about 4,500 feet altitude, Colorado at 5,200 feet and McLaren sim(ulator) beforehand, and I reckon I’ll be ready.” iber is still higher than any other driver who could take that Azteca Stadium at 7,820. “Our game plan is already established Alonso retakes his seat for the race after Monaco - the Canadian spot, for sure.” in some ways in that we are going to go in, train at altitude,” GP on June 11 - and for the remainder of the season. The 35-year-old Alonso’s motivation is part of a wider ambi- Arena said, adding: “I’ve had experience with this in the past, McLaren has yet to score a point after two races - Australia tion that also includes the Le Mans 24 Hours endurance race. failed miserably” a reference to March training in Colorado and China - following a frustrating campaign last year where the McLaren is back in the Indianapolis 500 for the first time in 38 Springs ahead of a 2-1 loss at Mexico City in 2005. team struggled to adapt to the Honda engines. “I realize we years with Alonso’s entry, a Dallara DW12 chassis run by Andretti Arena doesn’t expect strained relations between President won’t have a realistic chance of repeating my 2009 victory, but I Autosport. Team owner Michael Andretti is a former IndyCar Donald Trump’s administration and Mexico to be a factor. think we’ll have a opportunity to score world championship champion who raced in Formula One for McLaren in 1993. “Mexico-US is such a big game I would think that that will take points,” said Button, who will race alongside teammate Stoffel Alonso flies to Alabama next week to visit his IndyCar team precedent over any kind of political issues,” Arena said. “I don’t Vandoorne. members and then have a seat fitting done. After the Russian GP think the Mexican fans are going to be pointing fingers at us “I was truly delighted when Jenson accepted our suggestion on April 30, his schedule will become even more hectic. — AP because of the political climate.” — AP SPORTS SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2017 Kelsey Plum goes 1st in WNBA draft

NEW YORK: Kelsey Plum went first in the WNBA draft Thursday. Then, South Carolina took over. Plum was taken No 1 by the San Antonio Stars. The Washington guard finished her college career with an NCAA-record 3,527 points. The Stars had the worst record last season and held the top pick for the first time in franchise history. “I’ve been dreaming about it for so long,” Plum said. “I’m really excited and grateful for the opportunity and will make the most of it.” It’s the second straight year that the Stars have drafted a guard. They took Moriah Jefferson with the No 2 pick last season. Plum played with Jefferson on a USA Basketball Under-18 team and was excited for the chance to play with her again. Chicago drafted Alaina Coates with the second pick. The South Carolina star, the first of three Gamecocks selected in the first round, injured her right ankle in the SEC Tournament and didn’t play in the team’s run to the national championship. She still isn’t able to really fly because of the injury and risk of blood clots, so she made the nearly 11-hour drive up to New York from South Carolina. She got around the draft on a scoot- er she affectionately called “scoot, scoot.” Coates said she had surgery on the ankle a few weeks ago and doesn’t know how long she’ll be out. She hopes to be able to play this season. “For me to go number two with my situation, I’m really excited about that as well,” Coates said. “I don’t know when I’ll be able to play. It’s all up to what the doctors say.” Dallas took Kentucky forward Evelyn Akhator with the third pick, and the Wings came back with South Carolina’s Allisha Gray with the fourth choice. Gray decided to forego her senior year of eligibil- ity and enter the draft a day after the Gamecocks won the title.

‘I COULDN’T BE HAPPIER’ Kaela Davis was taken by the Wings at No. 10, meaning the two Gamecocks who had both transferred into South Carolina together and skipped their last year to play in college will be together in Dallas. “It’s great to have the connection and famil- SALT LAKE CITY: San Antonio Spurs center Pau Gasol, right, drives around Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) iarity in an unknown situation,” said Davis of playing with Gray. during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, April 12, 2017. — AP South Carolina coach Dawn Staley was at the draft and thrilled to see her three players get picked. The Gamecocks became just the third school to have three players taken in the There will be big international opening round, joining Tennessee and UConn. The Huskies had the first three picks in last year’s draft. They had no one taken in interest in the NBA playoffs the first round this year for the first time since 2012. Saniya Chong, the lone senior on the team, was picked by Dallas in the third round. “It’s so great to see those three young ladies get a TORONTO: Milwaukee star Giannis Antetokounmpo returns are now in the silver and black as well. While the six Spurs are chance to realize their dreams,” Staley said. “I couldn’t be hap- to the playoffs in Toronto today afternoon. Except in Greece, a lot, it’s not the most in these playoffs. Utah and Toronto pier for them.” where it’ll already be very early Sunday morning. They won’t each have seven international players on their playoff rosters. Northwestern’s Nia Coffey went fifth to San Antonio, with mind staying up late in Athens to watch. Same goes for plen- Maryland’s Shatori Walker-Kimbrough picked sixth by ty of other places around the world at this time of year. All FINALS REPRESENTATION Washington. Atlanta took Brittney Sykes of Syracuse seventh. eight of the NBA first-round playoff series that start this week- If an international player appears in this year’s NBA Finals Brionna Jones of Maryland went to Connecticut with the eighth end have international players involved, meaning the game’s - almost guaranteed to happen - it would be the 24th con- pick. Chicago used its second pick in the first round to select global reach will be on full display once again. And as NBA secutive year that at least one player who doesn’t hail from Tori Jankoska at No. 9. That made for four Big Ten players draft- Commissioner Adam Silver said at the All-Star break, the the United States got in the title series. There’s seven active ed in the first nine picks. league expects the international players to keep coming. players in these playoffs with at least one All-Star appear- Sydney Wiese of Oregon State went 11th to Los Angeles and “I grew up in Athens not having much,” Antetokounmpo ance that the NBA define as being international: Giannis Alexis Jones of Baylor closed out the first round heading to said earlier this season. “And being in the situation and to Antetokounmpo, Marc and Pau Gasol, Manu Ginobili, Al Minnesota. The draft was held in an event space in New York keep pushing, keep pushing, it’s a great feeling because all the Horford, Kyrie Irving and Tony Parker. with WNBA President Lisa Borders announcing the picks from a hard work I did in my life, it paid off.” Now the playoff stage deejay booth, creating a party-like atmosphere although there again awaits Antetokounmpo, and plenty of other internation- VIVA LA FRANCE wasn’t the traditional podium and stage for the players to walk al players. By the NBA’s count, there’s 54 - including some with Utah’s Rudy Gobert and San Antonio’s Tony Parker are two up to and greet the president. The league will start its 21st sea- dual citizenship like Cleveland’s Kyrie Irving - from 28 different of the six French-born players in this postseason, and they’ll son on May 13 with training camps opening on April 23. The countries set to appear in these playoffs. Here’s some of the be asked to carry big roles. Parker enters these playoffs 115 WNBA unveiled a new “Watch me Work” 2017 video on top international storylines for the postseason: shy of 4,000 postseason points in his career. He’d be the sec- Thursday during the draft. — AP ond international player to reach that milestone - after only VAMOS, GASOL his longtime and now former San Antonio teammate Tim We know a Spanish big man is headed to the second Duncan (5,172). Parker is also the NBA’s all-time international round. San Antonio’s Pau Gasol and Memphis’ Marc Gasol playoff assist leader. And he’s third in playoff steals by an were on opposite sides in the 2015 All-Star Game, have gone international player, behind No. 2 Hakeem Olajuwon - and yet head-to-head a slew of regular-season times - and now the another Spur, No. 1 Manu Ginobili. Gobert is a Defensive brothers will face off in the playoffs for the first time. The Player of the Year candidate for the Jazz, and now gets to Spurs and Grizzlies are a first-round series in the Western make his playoff debut. Conference. Once they actually take the floor, the Gasols will become the sixth set of brothers to meet in the postseason, THERE ARE OTHERS, TOO joining the Mikans (George and Ed, 1949, 1950 and 1953), the Not all the best international players are in the playoffs. Kings (Bernard and Albert, 1983), the Persons (Chuck and And that speaks to the depth of the foreign influence on the Wesley, 1996), the Grants (Horace and Harvey, 1999), and the league today. Among players born outside the US, five of the Wrights (Dorell and Delon, 2016). top eight scorers this season didn’t reach the postseason. Cleveland’s Kyrie Irving was first, Milwaukee’s Giannis SIX SPURS Antetokounmpo was third and Memphis’ Marc Gasol was San Antonio has six international players on its roster this sixth on that list - but No. 2 Andrew Wiggins of Minnesota, season. That’s down a few from recent years. The Spurs had No. 4 Goran Dragic of Miami, No. 5 Joel Embiid of NEW YORK: Shatori Walker-Kimbrough, left, reacts after nine international players when they won their most recent Philadelphia, No. 7 Danilo Gallinari of Denver and No. 8 being selected as the No. 6 pick in the WNBA basketball NBA title in 2014. Some remain, like Manu Ginobili, Patty Mills Kristaps Porzingis of New York will all be watching the play- draft by the Washington Mystics. — AP and Tony Parker. Davis Bertans, Joel Anthony and Pau Gasol offs from afar. — AP SPORTS SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2017

Clippers look to avoid injuries and bad luck

LOS ANGELES: When it comes to DeAndre Jordan are in their sixth the playoffs, the Los Angeles season together and still in pursuit Clippers’ history is short and not at of their first title. Their sense of all sweet. The once-beleaguered urgency may never be greater. Paul franchise has never made it past the and Griffin are in the final year of second round, and in two of the last their contracts, which include play- three years under coach Doc Rivers er options for 2017-18. Jordan has a they’ve blown comfortable series year remaining, with a player leads and ended up going home. At option for 2018-19. A year ago, the least they’re going to open these Clippers owned a 2-0 lead against playoffs at home, and given the Portland in the first round only to team’s recent history, that’s no lose in six games after injuries to small thing. Neither is the momen- Paul and Griffin. tum they’re riding. In 2015, they gave up a 3-1 lead The Clippers won seven in a row against Houston and blew a 19- and 11 of 13 to end the regular sea- point lead in Game 6 with a trip to son. They clinched home court for the Western Conference finals on the first round against Utah six the line. In 2014, Paul had an infa- months after starting the season as mous meltdown, twice turning the the NBA’s hottest team at 14-2. “This ball over and fouling Russell really could be their year,” Westbrook, who made three Sacramento coach Dave Joerger straight free throws to beat the said. “They could really do some- Clippers by one point in Game 5 of thing. They’re in a rhythm, they’re the conference semifinals. They lost playing well.” The Clippers have Game 6 back at home. In fact, the shown maturity down the stretch, Clippers have lost at least once at seizing home court after the Jazz home in their last six playoff put the pressure on by winning on appearances. Wednesday night. The Clippers had “Because of the experiences to beat the Kings to end up tied we’ve had, I think we’re concentrat- with Utah at 51-31, and they owned ing on finishing,” Paul said. “Trying the tiebreaker by virtue of winning not to have those different lapses in the season series 3-1. “This team has games. That’s probably where we’ve CLEVELAND: Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James (23) drives past Atlanta Hawks’ DeAndre Bembry (95) in grown a lot,” Blake Griffin said. showed a little bit of growth and we the second half of an NBA basketball game. — AP “Maybe more than any other season won’t really be able to tell until the that we have had here.” playoffs.” Heading into Saturday’s The Clippers survived a com- playoff opener, the Clippers are LeBron confident as bined 42 games without Griffin and healthy, with the exception of back- Chris Paul, going 19-23 in their up guard Austin Rivers, who missed absence. Their worst stretch was a the final six games with a strained six-game skid between Christmas left hamstring. He could return NBA playoffs begin and New Year’s and they responded soon. by starting the new year on a seven- Despite their recent failures, Doc game winning streak, equaling their Rivers insists he never goes into a LOS ANGELES: LeBron James believes the Cleveland the playoffs come into view. “Preparing this group, longest of the season. “When you new playoff series thinking about Cavaliers are ready to defend their NBA crown as the getting us locked in, and understanding what our have as many injuries as we did, the the past. “Does that mean there’s no postseason gets under way this weekend with the opportunity is,” James explained. “Let’s get ready to ups and downs of the season, the residual effect?” he asked. “I can’t Golden State Warriors desperate to reclaim their go. Nothing changes for me. I’ve got to be the leader length of the season, you go say.” While they can’t change their throne. The Cavaliers stumbled into the playoffs after of this team every time I step on the floor. “I’ve gotta through a lot of adversity,” Griffin painful past, they recognize it and an erratic finale to the regular season which saw them command these guys and put them in the right posi- said. “You always say that when we clearly want to get past it. “We’ve pipped for the number one ranking in the Eastern tions to be successful. And I’ve gotta do it at both come out on the other side we are been waiting a long time for this,” Conference by the Boston Celtics. But despite a four- ends. And if I do that we’ve got a good chance.” going to be better for it, and I truly said Jamal Crawford, three-time game losing streak which culminated with The biggest obstacle to James and the Cavaliers believe that we are.” Sixth Man of the Year. “Ultimately, Wednesday’s 98-83 defeat to Toronto, James is confi- chances of a repeat NBA title comes in the formidable we’ll be one of the teams judged on dent the Cavaliers will raise their game as they pre- shape of the Warriors. The Western Conference top Infamous meltdown our postseason success, so we’re pare for game one of their best-of-seven series against seeds have by far the best record in the NBA this sea- The Big Three of Griffin, Paul and ready for it.” — AP the Indiana Pacers today. son, finishing in first place with 67 wins against 15 “We have good chance to win it all, but it starts losses. Ominously for their rivals, there are signs that with our opponent in two days,” James said. “So we the Warriors are building irresistible momentum at the have to be very determined but we have to be very right time. smart about our game plan and how we execute. Kevin Durant has returned to form and fitness fol- Through everything that went on with our team, we’re lowing his extended injury lay-off, draining 29 points in a position where we can do something special still.” in 27 minutes during a routine 109-94 victory over the The Cavaliers will head into today’s opener buoyed by Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday. Stephen Curry the knowledge they have already dominated the meanwhile, who added 20 points in the win, revealed Pacers this season, winning their mini-series 3-1 over that the Warriors were brimming with confidence as the course of the campaign. they geared up for Sunday’s opening playoff game James however insists that his mind is solely against the Portland Trail Blazers. focused on the challenge of the here and now as he Curry explained that the team’s mindset had leads the Cavaliers into battle once more. “I’m not changed from a year ago, when they were defending going to harp on about what happened in the regular their title following a record-breaking regular season. season through injuries, through good wins, through “We’re chasing something-we’re not protecting any- bad losses,” James told reporters on Thursday. “We thing this year,” Curry said. “Feel good. Feel confident. have a good club going to the postseason and that’s I just like the way we ended the season this year.” all I can ask for right now. At the end of the day I can’t Elsewhere in the Western Conference this weekend, a have my mind focused on the past right now. The battle of triple-double kings Russell Westbrook and present is the only thing that matters.” In last year’s James Harden looms large as the Oklahoma City epic NBA Finals series against the Warriors, James Thunder open their series against the Houston inspired the Cavaliers in an unprecedented recovery Rockets. Game one takes place in Houston on Sunday. LOS ANGELES: Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul Pierce, left, is fouled from 3-1 down to a 4-3 series victory. The second-seeded San Antonio Spurs meanwhile by Houston Rockets forward Troy Williams, right, and is able to score open against the Memphis Grizzlies today while the on the play during the second half of an NBA basketball game, ‘Locked in’ fifth-seeded Utah Jazz travel to the Los Angeles Monday, April 10, 2017. — AP James is once again relishing his leadership role as Clippers. —AFP SPORTS SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2017

Board debate not a bother to Wenger

LONDON: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger insisted happening at board level is not down to me,” said under threat, for all that some fans have called for him any discussions the Gunners’ board may be having Wenger at a news conference yesterday. “I focus on to resign. And Wenger insisted yesterday that results about his future will not distract him from his job, with what is down to me, the performance of the team such as Monday’s loss had not altered his relationship the debate about his position showing no sign of stop- and what the fans are interested in is the perform- with Kroenke. “I believe our relationship has always ping. Wenger’s contract is up at the end of the season ance of the team.” been the same and that has not changed.”Wenger, and there has been intense speculation about whether Arsenal are sixth in the Premier League table and asked if anything had changed regarding his future, the veteran French manager, in charge at north London seven points adrift of a Champions League place, with replied: “Nothing.” Following the Palace match, giants Arsenal since September 1996, will carry on. eight league games left to play this season. Theo England forward Walcott told Sky Sports: “That wasn’t Poor recent results, including Monday’s 3-0 defeat Walcott suggested after the Palace defeat that the us tonight. We are all disappointed in the changing by a Crystal Palace side battling to avoid relegation, Eagles wanted to win more than the Gunners, adding room, like the fans are. “We let them down. We can only have only fuelled talk about Wenger’s prospects. to the pressure being heaped on the 67-year-old apologise.”But then, in comments that angered many Wenger has indicated previously he has made a deci- Wenger. But no one in Arsenal’s hierarchy, including Gunners fans, Walcott, Arsenal’s captain at Selhurst sion about his Arsenal future but that any public the club’s US-based owner Stan Kroenke, has yet said Park, added: “They (Palace) wanted it more. You could announcement will come from the club. “What is anything in public to suggest Wenger’s position is sense that from the kick-off. —AFP

Leicester face test amid Euro drama

LONDON: Craig Shakespeare must decide whether to focus on securing Leicester’s Premier League survival against Crystal Palace or allow his stars to rest before the latest chapter in their European adventure. Shakespeare’s side head to Selhurst Park today still licking their wounds after Antoine Griezmann’s controversial penalty gave Atletico Madrid a 1-0 victory in the Champions League quarter-final first leg on Wednesday. It was a bitter defeat for the English champions as the spot-kick was awarded for a Marc Albrighton tackle on Griezmann that took place outside the penalty area. Leicester have the chance to make amends and extend their incredible European run when they host Atletico in the second leg on Tuesday. With little time to recover in between the two ties, Foxes boss Shakespeare is aware two of the biggest matches in his club’s history have overshadowed the Palace game, which provides a chance to effectively guarantee Premier League safety. But Leicester have moved eight points clear of the relegation zone in recent weeks and Shakespeare may well decide to risk resting players in south London on Saturday. “In terms of recovery we’ve had this fixture planned for a while. We know what it’s about,” LIVERPOOL: In this Tuesday, Jan 31, 2017 file photo, Chelsea’s David Luiz, front left, celebrates scoring a goal against Shakespeare said. “It’s a tight turnaround but one that Liverpool with Chelsea’s manager Antonio Conte and players during their English Premier League soccer match at we’re more than capable of.” Anfield stadium. — AP Leicester midfielder Andy King played 45 minutes in Madrid, but the long-serving midfielder is one of the under- studies who could be handed a start against Palace and he Alonso wary of United, is determined to concentrate on the task at hand on the domestic front. “There is still a lot of work to be done in the league,” King said. “We’re in good form and we’ve got a lot of confidence. Palace are confident as well, it’ll be a good Spurs ready to pounce game but we need to make sure we’re ready.” LONDON: Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso has warned the ‘FIGHTING FOR BIGGER THINGS’ SURVIVAL BATTLE leaders to beware of a Manchester United backlash, while Pochettino’s side have reeled off six successive victories, Robert Huth also seems certain to start at Selhurst Mauricio Pochettino believes Tottenham can provide a dra- sparking dreams of winning the club’s first English title since Park, with the German defender suspended for the sec- matic finale to the title race. With just seven games remaining, 1961 and finishing above bitter rivals Arsenal for the first time ond leg against Atletico. Sam Allardyce will attempt to Chelsea are looking to land the knockout blow as they slug it since 1995. They currently sit 14 points clear of Arsenal, but ensure Palace avoid another setback in the wake of an out with second placed Tottenham in the fight for Premier Pochettino is understandably more concerned about catching unexpected victory against one of the leading teams. League supremacy. Chelsea than earning north London bragging rights. “I think Palace go into the game on the back of Monday’s stun- Antonio Conte’s side hold a seven point lead at the top, but we’re playing and fighting for bigger things,” said Pochettino, ning 3-0 defeat of Arsenal, a win that extended their Tottenham can temporarily trim the gap to four if they beat who may hand a first start to Harry Kane since the striker’s recent run to five victories in six games and moved them Bournemouth at White Hart Lane in today’s early kick-off. ankle injury five weeks ago. “If we look at the bigger picture it’s six points clear of the relegation zone. Alonso admits that would pile the pressure back on Chelsea, to try to reduce the gap with Chelsea. I think today it’s not Confidence is high, but Allardyce and his players are who face a tricky trip to Old Trafford to face a United team important the gap we have with Arsenal. “The most important well aware of what happened in the wake of the recent win fuelled by a revenge mission on Sunday. Managed by former thing is to do our job, try to win games and try to reduce the at Chelsea when they travelled to Southampton and lost 3- Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, United have already endured a gap with Chelsea.” 1. That defeat, together with improved results for some of humiliating 4-0 thrashing at Chelsea in October and an acrimo- their relegation rivals, provided a warning that nothing can nious 1-0 loss on their return to Stamford Bridge in the FA Cup FURIOUS be taken for granted as the survival battle intensifies. quarter-finals in March. But Mourinho’s fifth placed team, four Arsene Wenger and his Arsenal flops head to Allardyce, though, can be satisfied his key players are points behind fourth placed Manchester City in the Champions Middlesbrough looking to redeem themselves in the eyes of finding their best form when it matters most, with League qualification scrap, are unbeaten in their 21 league their furious fans after their shocking 3-0 defeat at lowly Crystal Christian Benteke, Yohan Cabaye and Wilfried Zaha out- matches since that first painful loss to Chelsea this season. “It Palace on Monday. Subjected to vitriolic abuse from support- standing in recent weeks. “Certainly Chelsea away, a little will be tougher this time around. They are one of the best ers during their fifth defeat in their last eight games and blip at Southampton, then Arsenal at home. The two vic- teams in England, no doubt,” Alonso said. labelled as “cowards” by former Liverpool defender Jamie tories were such great victories, in such a short space of “It will be a very hard game, even more so after losing twice Carragher, Wenger’s sixth placed side can’t afford another time, but it was well deserved,” Allardyce said. “If we can against us. They will give even more to try and beat us. “We will debacle as they try to close the seven-point gap on the top perform like that in any of the last seven games, we can have to do the same or more than before to get another win. four. Wenger, who endured calls for his resignation, has led beat any team. Our performances have to be to that level, They will be hard to beat. We will have to be ready.” Chelsea, Arsenal into the Champions League for the last 19 years, but so we get safe and can start preparing for next season. unbeaten in their last 12 meetings with United, have won back that record is in severe danger and a defeat at the Riverside “One or two more results and we should be safe.” — AFP to back matches since their shock defeat against Crystal Palace, Stadium might usher the beleaguered Frenchman towards the but Tottenham remain hot on their heels. exit. “This isn’t Arsenal in this moment in time. — AFP SPORTS SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2017

Matches on TV (Local Timings)

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE Tottenham v Bournemouth 14:30 beIN SPORTS HD Stoke City v Hull City 17:00 beIN SPORTS HD Crystal Palace v Leicester City 17:00 beIN SPORTS HD Watford v Swansea City 17:00 beIN SPORTS HD Everton v Burnley 17:00 beIN SPORTS HD Sunderland v West Ham United 17:00 beIN SPORTS HD Southampton v Manchester City 19:30 beIN SPORTS HD

SPANISH LEAGUE PRIMERA Deportivo La Coruna v Malaga 14:00 beIN SPORTS HD Sporting Gijon v Real Madrid 17:15 beIN SPORTS HD 3 beIN SPORTS HD 2 Atletico de Madrid v Osasuna 19:30 beIN SPORTS HD 3 FC Barcelona v Real Sociedad 21:45 beIN SPORTS HD 3 beIN SPORTS HD 2 MADRID: Real Madrid’s forward Alvaro Morata (C) kicks the ball during a training session at Valdebebas training grounds in Madrid yesterday on the eve of their Liga football match against Sporting Gijon. —AFP ITALIAN CALCIO LEAGUE Internazionale v AC Milan 13:30 Five things to look out for in La Liga beIN SPORTS HD ACF Fiorentina v Empoli 16:00 MADRID: Ahead of another Champions League salvage mis- ADAMS’S ‘ARSE-KICKING’ COMMENCES beIN SPORTS HD sion there is no room for error for Barcelona as they try to Tony Adams made a surprise return to coaching this week as AS Roma v Atalanta 16:00 chase down Real Madrid at the top of La Liga. Here are five Granada boss due to his close ties with the club’s Chinese ownership. beIN SPORTS HD things to look out for in La Liga this weekend. The eccentric former Arsenal captain didn’t disappoint in his first Torino FC v Crotone 16:00 press conference where he promised to “kick some players’ arse” in beIN SPORTS HD BARCA BEGIN LIFE WITHOUT NEYMAR an uphill battle to save Granada from relegation in the final seven Genoa CFC v SS Lazio 16:00 Barca’s season unravelled quickly in the past week as they games of the season. Adams takes charge for the first time against beIN SPORTS HD lost at Malaga to fall three points behind Madrid, who also Celta Vigo on Sunday with Granada seven points adrift of safety. Citta di Palermo v Bologna 16:00 have a game in hand, at the top of the table and were then beIN SPORTS HD thrashed 3-0 by Juventus in the Champions League. In BASQUE BATTLE ROYALE FOR EUROPE Cagliari v AC Chievo Verona 16:00 between Neymar was also slapped with a three-game ban fol- The fight to be top dogs in the Basque Country will almost cer- beIN SPORTS HD lowing his first Barca red card last weekend and misses Real tainly be rewarded with a place in Europe with Sociedad, Athletic Pescara v Juventus FC 16:00 Sociedad’s visit today, as well as a potential decisive clash with Bilbao and Eibar separated by just two points between sixth and beIN SPORTS HD Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu next weekend. Barca have to eighth. With Sociedad at the Camp Nou, Athletic can move a step Sassuolo Calcio v Sampdoria 19:00 win to have any chance of keeping the title alive ahead next ahead when they host Las Palmas on Friday night before Eibar con- beIN SPORTS HD weekend’s Clasico but have been let down by their lack of tinue their remarkable charge at struggling Betis on Sunday. The Napoli v Udinese Calcio 21:45 strength in depth this season. Boss Luis Enrique therefore has population of Eibar would fit twice into Betis’ Benito Villamarin sta- beIN SPORTS HD a delicate balance to find between resting some of his star dium, yet they are 19 points ahead of the Seville giants thanks to an names ahead of another Champions League rescue mission in already record points tally of 50 in the top flight. GERMAN BUNDESLIGA midweek and still having enough to see off a Sociedad side battling for a place in the Europa League. VALENCIA ON THE RISE Dortmund v Eintracht Frankfurt 16:30 There is a rare sense of positivity around Valencia’s fortunes at beIN SPORTS HD ASENSIO’S TIME TO SHINE the minute after three consecutive wins for the first time in a year. VfL Wolfsburg v Ingolstadt 04 16:30 In stark contrast to Barca’s troubles, Real Madrid have been Chairwoman Layhoon Chan’s resignation earlier in the week also beIN SPORTS HD propped up throughout the campaign by the depth of their pleased a large section of the fanbase unhappy with her role in a FSV Mainz 05 v Hertha Berlin 16:30 resources. No more so than by Marco Asensio. The 21-year-old disastrous past couple of seasons on and off the pitch. Sunday’s vis- beIN SPORTS HD made a huge impact by setting up Cristiano Ronaldo’s winner itors to the Mestalla should take note of what bad organization FC Augsburg v FC Koln 16:30 against Bayern Munich on Wednesday after replacing Gareth from the top can do to even a historically big club. Sevilla are in a beIN SPORTS HD Bale for the final half hour. With Bale set to sit out the trip to state of flux after sporting director Monchi’s departure and look set Hoffenheim v Monchengladbach 16:30 Gijon, Asensio will get his chance to make a case to start to lose coach Jorge Sampaoli to Argentina’s advances at the end of beIN SPORTS HD against Bayern on Tuesday. the season too. —AFP RB Leipzig v SC Freiburg 16:30 beIN SPORTS HD Bayer 04 v Bayern Munich 19:30 Attack was longest 15 mins of my life: Bartra beIN SPORTS HD

BERLIN: Borussia Dortmund defender Marc glass and had to undergo a wrist operation, Three days after the attack that injured FRENCH LEAGUE Bartra, who was wounded when three taking him out of action for four weeks. The Bartra and a policeman who suffered trauma OGC Nice v Nancy Lorraine 18:00 bombs rocked his Bundesliga team’s bus, 26-year-old said “the shock of the past few from the noise of the blasts, investigators are beIN SPORTS HD 6 described yesterday his ordeal as “the days is diminishing all the time” and that still scrambling to find possible culprits. The FC Metz v Caen 21:00 longest and hardest 15 minutes of my life”. when he looks at his swollen wrist, what he probe suffered a setback on Thursday when “The pain, the panic, the uncertainty of not feels is “pride”. the sole suspect in custody was cleared of beIN SPORTS HD 7 knowing what was happening, or how long “I look at it proud thinking of all the dam- involvement in the crime. Investigators had Montpellier HSC v Lorient 21:00 it would last... they were the longest and age they wanted to do to us on Tuesday and zeroed in on two suspects believed to belong beIN SPORTS HD 9 hardest 15 minutes of my life,” the Spanish it resulted in just that,” he said, thanking to a large jihadist scene in western Germany’s Stade Rennes v Lille OSC 21:00 defender wrote in a message posted on those who are treating him as well as fans, Ruhr region, after three identical letters were beIN SPORTS HD 10 Instagram. his team-mates and others who have show- found at the site of the attack. The letter Guingamp v Toulouse FC 21:00 The bombs containing metal pieces deto- ered him with support. “I needed to write demanded that Berlin stop its Tornado recon- beIN SPORTS HD nated minutes after the team bus set off to a and get this off my chest and settle it so I can naissance missions in the international anti-IS AS Monaco FC v Dijon 22:00 Champions League game against Monaco just think about getting back to 100 percent coalition and close the US air base at Ramstein, beIN SPORTS HD 6 on Tuesday night. Bartra was hurt by flying as soon as possible,” he added. western Germany. —AFP SPORTS SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2017 Rattled Dortmund seek solace after bus attack BERLIN: Borussia Dortmund face the difficult challenge of recovering from Tuesday’s frightening bomb attack on their team bus as they prepare to host Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga this weekend. Players and staff alike were badly shaken after their team coach was rocked by three explosions on the way to Signal Iduna Park ahead of their Champions League tie against Monaco. Defender Marc Bartra underwent emergency surgery on a fractured wrist and to remove glass that became planted in his arm after the blast shattered windows on the Dortmund bus. His team-mates also felt the psychological effects, losing 3-2 to Monaco after their quarter-final first leg was pushed back to Wednesday. Many in the Dortmund squad said they had not wanted to play, while manager Thomas Tuchel railed at the decision to reschedule the match less than 24 hours after the planned kick-off. “Unless you experienced it, you can’t understand how bad it was for us,” said defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos. “I am just happy to be alive, it was the worst day of my life,” he added, referring to the MILAN: From left, David Han Li, Yonghong Li, and Marco Fassone, pose with AC Milan jerseys during a press night of the attack. Tuchel accused UEFA of treating conference to illustrate takeover of AC Milan soccer club by a Chinese consortium. —AP Dortmund as if only a “beer can” had been thrown at their bus. But European football’s governing body rejected the claim, insisting that both clubs had AC Milan’s new owners target agreed to play on Wednesday. German police are still hunting the culprits and an officer was also hurt in the blast. Tuchel is sure to return to Champions League rotate his fourth-placed squad to try to help give those worst affected by the attack time to recover. MILAN: AC Milan’s new owners are aiming to make the team a the desire to sort it out quickly and make Gigio (Donnarumma) a “We must find a way of overcoming that. But we still force in European soccer once more, and they want to do so with pillar of Milan’s future.” Fassone and the new owners are already don’t know how that’s going to happen,” admitted a mix of star signings and talented young players such as teenage planning for the next campaign and want coach Vincenzo Tuchel. “Everyone must face up to it in their own goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. The takeover of Milan by a Montella to have “60-70 percent” of his squad by the beginning way. No one felt it in exactly the same way. “Some Chinese-led consortium was finally completed on Thursday, after of July and the start of pre-season training. players saw the explosion... there were lots of differ- several delays, ending Silvio Berlusconi’s 31-year reign. And they are keen to bring in experienced players to help ent feelings and therefore many different ways of During Berlusconi’s time in charge, the Rossoneri won tro- Milan’s talented youngsters take the team back to the top. “We handling the trauma.” phies at home and abroad, including eight league titles and five would like to have at the club one or two really big-name play- Champions League titles. But the seven-time European champi- ers,” Fassone said. “Between saying and doing there always has LEWANDOWSKI BANNED on has declined in recent years and is currently sixth in Serie A. to be the willingness of the clubs and of the players, but we Germany winger Marco Reus, sidelined for the It hasn’t participated in the Champions League since the 2013- would like to go in that direction.” Fassone also said the new past six weeks by a hamstring injury, is set to return 14 season. owners plan - “in the medium term” - to address the issue of a for Dortmund but Bartra faces four weeks out. “The aim of the next few years is to create a Milan side which is modern stadium for Milan, which currently shares San Siro with Frankfurt were quick to extend their best wishes to very competitive and very ambitious ... we think we can reach this Inter Milan. the Spaniard, but solidarity aside, Niko Kovac’s men in a short time,” new CEO Marco Fassone said at a press confer- Chinese businessman Yonghong Li, who will be Milan’s new ence yesterday. “We are Milan, we can’t say ‘slowly slowly and president, was present yesterday and spoke at length for the first need the points on Saturday having dropped to let’s see what happens.’ The idea is to get back to the Champions time since his group Rossoneri Sport Luxembourg completed the ninth following a run of nine games without a win. League as soon as possible, the aim is to be in it from the 2018-19 purchase of the club for 740 million euros (about $800 million). As a result of the Dortmund attack, authorities are season ... UEFA has given us a small advantage with the decision “Such a glorious club is now beginning a new chapter in its histo- beefing up security across the country ahead of this that from 2018 Italy will have four teams in the Champions ry and the success of this deal was made possible thanks to AC weekend’s fixtures. League, so from then I am certain Milan will be there.” Milan supporters’ deep love and expectations,” Li said. Runaway league leaders Bayern Munich, who are “Considering all the top players who have played in this team at Bayer Leverkusen, have for the first time intro- TRAIL BY DERBY and all the victories of the past years, the fans are hoping to see duced security checks at open training sessions. Currently only the top three in Serie A qualify for Europe’s pre- the club at the top of European football once again.” He added Bayern are 10 points clear of RB Leipzig but will again mier club competition. One of the immediate priorities for Milan’s that “we want to go beyond supporters’ expectations.” The new be without striker Robert Lewandowski, this time new owners will be tying Donnarumma to a long-term contract. owners’ first match will be today’s derby against Inter Milan, through suspension after he picked up his fifth yel- The goalkeeper only turned 18 in February but has already played which is also owned by a Chinese company. Fassone, who also low card last weekend. for Italy and is attracting interest from Europe’s top clubs. worked at Juventus, left Inter in 2015. “From an emotional and The Poland star is the league’s top scorer with 26 “We talked about it also at dinner last night with Berlusconi,” emotive point of view, I couldn’t ask for anything better,” he said. goals but missed Bayern’s 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid Fassone said. “I can say that the new owners have all the consid- “My last match as a sporting director was Inter-Milan so it’s nice eration for Donnarumma that he deserves. “On our part there is that I’m starting again with another Inter-Milan.” —AP in the Champions League with a bruised shoulder. Carlo Ancelotti will hope to have both Lewandowski and Mats Hummels (ankle) back in time for Bum-pinching football boss given a life ban Tuesday’s quarter-final return leg in Madrid. Leverkusen are desperately looking to stop their TUNIS: The head of a Tunisian football that he had twice pinched the assistant troversial penalty. After grabbing the slide down the table after just one win in their last club who pinched an assistant referee referee on the backside during the referee, the club president heads back seven league games. on the backside during a match has match against Etoile de Sahel on to the sideline, raising his thumb at Second-placed RB Leipzig are edging ever closer been banned from the sport for life. March 1. Sfaxien won the game 3-2. the linesman. He can be seen kissing to finishing their debut Bundesliga season by quali- The Tunisian football Federation (FTF) The FTF accused Khemakhem of the official, biting him below the left fying directly for the Champions League but have a suspended CS Sfaxien President verbally abusing match officials, “dan- ear and pinching his cheek. The next tricky trip to Freiburg. Freiburg, last season’s second Moncef Khemakhem “from any activity gerous and unsporting behavior”, day, Khemakhem appeared on public division champions ahead of Leipzig, have exceeded in football” for abusing officials at a “indecent assault” and “harm to good TV channel Wataniya and declared, expectations this term by challenging for a Europa championship match last month, it morals”. It also fined him $12,900 smiling, that he had “twice pinched League place. Ex-Bayern striker Nils Petersen equaled said in a statement Thursday. It said (12,000 euros), it said. The FTF state- the backside” of the linesman “to the Bundesliga record of 18 goals off the bench Khemakhem had “violently assaulted” ment did not say whether the judg- cheer him up because he lost the and bitten an assistant referee then ment was open to appeal. In a video match”. “We decided to get our rights when he came on to secure their 1-0 win over Mainz pinched his buttocks in an attempt to posted on YouTube, Khemakhem can with our teeth and our fingers,” he last weekend. —AFP influence the match’s outcome. be seen joining players’ protests on added, before concluding: “we have Khemakhem later boasted on TV the pitch Etoile equalized with a con- had our gift.” —AFP SportsSports SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2017 APRIL SATURDAY, United denied, violence erupts in Lyon

BRUSSELS: Leander Dendoncker struck late with explosives in Germany and Leicester Serigne Mbodji was next to produce a to snatch a 1-1 draw for Anderlecht against City fans had clashed with police in Madrid. desperate last-ditch tackle to deny Lingard Manchester United in the first leg of Despite the problems, Lyon had the last but by now Mkhitaryan was dictating play. Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final, laugh, coming back from a goal down to win United were at times guilty of over-playing while crowd trouble overshadowed Lyon’s 2-1 in the dying stages. With United poten- in the final third but the chances were start- tie with Besiktas. Belgian international mid- tially facing two matches a week right ing to rack up. And Mkhitaryan opened the fielder Dendoncker rose to majestically pow- through to the end of the season, Mourinho scoring on 36 minutes after Rashford’s volley er home a header from Ivan Obradovic’s had been hoping for a quiet night to con- from Antonio Valencia’s cross was only par- cross four minutes from time and cancel out serve energy ahead of Sunday’s crunch Old ried by Martinez, the Armenian running on Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s first-half opener. Trafford clash against Chelsea. to slot home from close range despite a tight It was no less than Anderlecht deserved United should have won but Anderlecht angle. Anderlecht started the second half for a committed second-half display, had their moments, particularly at the begin- with renewed vigor as Nicolae Stanciu curled a free-kick just over the bar and then although United will rue not taking earlier ning of both halves. They created the first Valencia was forced into three interventions chances to kill off the tie ahead of next clear chance but Massimo Bruno connected in quick succession, first hooking a Bruno week’s return at Old Trafford. “We have to only with thin air when well placed on the effort off the line and then twice blocking kill matches. We had chances, control, but edge of the box. Frank Acheampong was Acheampong. United at times lived danger- we don’t score goals,” said United boss Jose lively down the Anderlecht left, with one low ously but Anderlecht didn’t have the quality Mourinho. “There was lots of space to kill, cross begging to be knocked in but evading to capitalize, even with the introduction of there were good chances that we don’t get everyone. Yet United soon started to assert semi-fit top scorer Lukasz Teodorczyk 15 because of a bad touch, sloppy touch, a flick, their class and were a lick of paint from minutes from time. bad decisions in the last third.” going in front when Marcus Rashford’s United’s Belgian international Marouane In Lyon, Turkish fans clashed with rival inswinger picked out Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Fellaini-formerly of Standard Liege-provided supporters and security forces in the run-up Ruben Martinez made a point blank save an entertaining 15-minute substitute cameo, to kick-off before fans spilled onto the pitch and Jesse Lingard knocked the follow-up provoking a cacophony of jeers from the home causing a 45-minute delay to a match desig- onto the post before Anderlecht scrambled crowd every time he touched the ball. He even BRUSSELS: United’s Matteo Darmian, right, leaves behind nated as high-risk by authorities. The vio- the ball clear. Bram Nuytinck then threw had a chance from 20 yards that drew nervous Anderlecht’s Massimo Bruno during a Europa League quarterfi- lence came in the same week that the himself full length to block a Mkhitaryan gasps from the home crowd, although it nal first leg soccer match between Anderlecht and Manchester Borussia Dortmund team bus was attacked shot as United started to turn the screw. deflected into Martinez’s arms. — AFP United at the Constant Vanden Stock stadium. — AP